The blockchain ecosystem is creating a growing need for efficient cross-chain solutions. LI.FI has emerged as a leading protocol for cross-chain transactions, offering developers a robust API to enable seamless asset transfers between different networks.
This guide walks through the essential steps to integrate the LI.FI API into your decentralized application.
Understanding LI.FI integration basics
LI.FI’s API provides a unified interface for cross-chain transactions, supporting multiple bridges and DEX aggregators. Before diving into the implementation, developers should understand these key components:
- Bridge aggregation protocol
- Smart order routing
- Gas estimation
- Transaction status tracking
Prerequisites
Before starting the integration process, you will need:
- Node.js (version 14 or higher)
- Basic knowledge of Web3 development
- Access to a Web3 provider
- Understanding of asynchronous JavaScript
Integration steps
Here are the integration steps that you should follow when integrating LI.FI’s API into your dApp.
1. Set up the SDK
To start, create an SDK config with your integrator string.
import { createConfig } from ‘@lifi/sdk’
createConfig({
integrator: ‘Your dApp/company name’,
})
2. Now, you can request a quote
You can interact with the SDK and then request a quote with the following example.
import { ChainId, getQuote } from ‘@lifi/sdk’
const quote = await getQuote({
fromAddress: ‘0xd8dA6BF26964aF9D7eEd9e03E53415D37aA96045’,
fromChain: ChainId.ARB,
toChain: ChainId.OPT,
fromToken: ‘0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000000’,
toToken: ‘0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000000’,
fromAmount: ‘1000000000000000000’,
})
Best practices for implementation
When implementing the LI.FI API into your dApp, make sure to follow these 2 best practices:
1. Error handling
try {
const transaction = await lifi.executeRoute(signer, selectedRoute);
await transaction.wait();
} catch (error) {
console.error(‘Transaction failed:’, error);
// Implement proper error handling
});
2. Status monitoring
lifi.on(‘routeExecutionUpdated’, (status) => {
console.log(`Transaction status: ${status.status}`);
// Update UI based on status
});
Advanced features
Here are some advanced features that you can try out when you have integrated LI.FI to your dApp.
Bridge selection
LI.FI supports multiple bridges, including Across, allowing developers to specify preferred bridges:
const routeOptions = {
bridges: {
include: [‘across’, ‘hop’, ‘stargate’]
}
};
const routes = await lifi.getRoutes({
…transactionConfig,
options: routeOptions
});
Gas optimization
The API provides built-in gas estimation tools:
const gasEstimate = await lifi.getSteps({
…transactionConfig,
options: {
estimateGas: true
}
});
Testing and validation
Before deploying to production:
- Test with small amounts on testnets
- Verify transaction success across different networks
- Implement comprehensive error handling
- Monitor gas costs and optimization opportunities (in most cases the gas is already determined and returned from the LI.FI’s API, unless you override it and use your own values)
Security considerations
To make sure that you are secured, try to:
- Implement proper wallet connection handling
- Validate all user inputs
- Set appropriate slippage tolerances
- Monitor transaction status
- Implement timeout mechanisms
Conclusion
Integrating the LI.FI API into your dApp opens up powerful cross-chain capabilities for your users. By following this guide and implementing the suggested best practices, you can create a robust and efficient cross-chain experience.
Remember to stay updated with the latest LI.FI documentation for new features and improvements. For additional resources and support, refer to the official LI.FI documentation and join their developer community.
