Cross-chain Bridges Development
Blockchain bridges are becoming an increasingly important part of the Web3 ecosystem as they allow different blockchain networks to interact with each other. One of the most important functions of a blockchain bridge is to facilitate token transfers from one blockchain to another. For example, with the help of a blockchain bridge a BTC holder could access Ethereum or another EVM-compatible network and use their assets to pursue opportunities in the largest dApp ecosystem out there. Bridges are extremely useful for dApp developers too, as they make sure that decentralized apps are not limited to a single network.
Because of their pivotal role in the growth and evolution of the Web3 space, blockchain bridges need to be extremely well-optimized and secure. This means designing and building an optimal architecture with robust smart contracts that have been rigorously tested and audited to eliminate the risk of bugs and exploits.
At LimeChain, we have significant experience in building bridges to connect different blockchain networks. In our experience, we’ve encountered two types of bridge-related projects:
– Standalone bridges – these are bridges that exist with the sole purpose of connecting blockchains.
– Part of a larger project – these bridges are part of the architecture of a larger ecosystem and, as such, perform functions that are internal for that ecosystem.
The LimeChain process
The multichain bridge development process goes through several stages to ensure that client requirements and needs have been understood and met. These stages include:
1
Initial assessment and business analysis
The development process begins with an assessment of the business case. During this phase we hold talks with the client, gather information about the project and familiarize ourselves with the client’s vision for the project. This helps us to identify what the technical requirements of the project are.
2
Discovery and architecture design
The next phase is discovery and architecture design. Here we identify the scope of the project, pin down the requirements and set milestones as part of a comprehensive development roadmap. Then we use our newly formed project understanding to design the bridge architecture.
3
PoC development
The next phase is Proof-of-Concept development. Depending on the client’s needs, we can develop a lean PoC to quickly test the viability of the product or invest a bit more time and resources to build a more comprehensive PoC that can then be used as a foundation for further development.
4
Smart contract development
The next phase, smart contract development, is one of the most crucial phases for the success of the project. Here we develop all the necessary smart contracts, including those handling the main operations that make cross-chain token transfers possible - locking, minting, burning and unlocking.
5
Backend and frontend development
We continue with backend and frontend development. During this phase the product takes shape, as we build all the functionalities and features that will be included in version 1.0 of the product. This includes UX and UI design of the frontend module that will handle user interactions with the dApp.
6
Smart contract audit and testing
The next step is to make sure that all smart contracts are secure, optimized and bug-free. To that end, we perform an internal audit and testing, but we also work with some of the leading smart contract auditing companies in the world, to ensure that our smart contracts are really top of the line in terms of efficiency and security. It needs to be stressed that external audits are crucial when it comes to smart contract security, so we always take special care when it comes to that part of the process.
7
Deployment on testnet
After internal and external audits are complete, the product is deployed to a testnet. This is meant to evaluate if everything is working as intended. The testnet launch is a very cost-efficient and risk-free way to test the product in an environment that is designed to recreate real-word conditions.
8
Launch on mainnet
After a successful testnet period, the bridge is deployed on its designated mainnet and starts its life as a full-fledged, operational product.
9
Post-launch development and support
Post-launch development and support is a big part of bridge development. The typical approach here is to launch a really stable and secure core version that is subsequently expanded with the addition of new features and functionalities like connecting a wider range of networks and bridging more crypto assets.
What sets us apart from the competition?
LimeChain has the know-how and the technical expertise needed to helm the complex process of bridge development. We have built a strong team of well-trained professionals – from business analysts through frontend developers and UX & UI designers to full stack developers and blockchain architects – that are capable of handling every stage of the process. And we’ve already worked on some of the more impactful projects in that space.
These projects include Hashport, a Web3 portal connecting Hedera Hashgraph and EVM-compatible chains; the AllianceBlock Bridge, which connects the AllianceBlock ecosystem with a number of chains, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism; and the Cudos Network, which uses bridges to connect to the larger Cosmos ecosystem, as well as to Ethereum.
Contact us if you want help with your bridge development – from ideation to product launch, and beyond – we are ready to give you the assistance you need!
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