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Dedot

The Future of Dapp Development in the Polkadot Ecosystem.

Dedot is a next-generation JavaScript client designed specifically for Polkadot and Substrate-based blockchains. With its lightweight, tree-shakable architecture and advanced feature set, Dedot promises to redefine the developer experience (DX) for building decentralized applications (dapps) in a multi-chain ecosystem.

Addressing the Challenges of Polkadot.js API

Polkadot.js API (@polkadot/api) has been the go-to solution for developers in the Polkadot ecosystem. While it has significantly simplified dapp development, several limitations have surfaced over time:

  • Large Bundle Size: Dependencies like wasm-blob and bn.js, along with numerous unused type definitions, inflate the bundle size of even basic applications.
  • High Memory Consumption: Connecting to multiple RPC endpoints can result in excessive memory usage, particularly problematic for wallets and applications interacting with numerous networks.
  • Limited Type and API Suggestions: Default support for Polkadot and Kusama leaves developers working with custom Substrate-based chains struggling to define types and identify appropriate APIs.

How Dedot Innovates

Dedot was built to address these pain points while embracing the latest advancements in blockchain technology. Here’s how Dedot stands out:

  1. Compact and Efficient:
    • Reduced Bundle Size: By eliminating dependencies on wasm-blob and bn.js and leveraging Metadata v14 and v15, Dedot reduces the bundle size by 7-8x compared to @polkadot/api.
    • Optimized Memory Usage: Dedot’s reliance on native TypeScript/JavaScript types and efficient handling of large metadata blobs result in 4-5x lower memory consumption.
  2. Enhanced Type and API Support:
    • Dedot dynamically generates TypeScript types and APIs from runtime metadata, providing precise suggestions for Substrate-based blockchains and ink! smart contracts.
    • The dedicated @dedot/chaintypes package ensures developers can quickly adapt to runtime upgrades and maintain compatibility across multiple networks.
  3. Support for Advanced Use Cases:
    • Typed Contract APIs: Developers can enjoy seamless integration and type suggestions for ink! smart contracts.
    • Low-Level JSON-RPC Client: For those requiring direct interaction with blockchain nodes, Dedot provides a fully typed low-level client.
  4. Forward-Thinking Features:
    • Light Client Integration: With support for Smoldot, Dedot allows developers to build lightweight dapps without relying on full node synchronization.
    • Metadata Caching: A built-in caching mechanism speeds up metadata retrieval, enhancing application performance.

A Seamless Transition from Polkadot.js API

Recognizing the widespread adoption of @polkadot/api, Dedot’s design incorporates familiar API styling to simplify migration. While it is not a drop-in replacement, its intentional similarities make transitioning smoother and more intuitive for developers.

Features on the Horizon

Dedot’s roadmap is packed with innovations aimed at further enhancing the dapp development experience:

  • Compact Metadata: Streamlining metadata to include only essential information, reducing network load and improving application efficiency.
  • XCM Utilities: Simplifying the creation of cross-chain messages through intuitive tools.
  • React Native Support: Empowering developers to build mobile applications for the Polkadot ecosystem.

The Dedot Community

Dedot’s development is a collaborative effort fueled by a passionate team and the broader blockchain community. Supported by grants from the Web3 Foundation, the team behind Dedot has demonstrated a commitment to innovation through projects like Coong Wallet and InSpace.

Feedback and support from the community are crucial for Dedot’s continued evolution. Developers are encouraged to explore Dedot, share insights, and contribute to its growth.

Conclusion

Dedot represents a significant leap forward in dapp development for the Polkadot ecosystem. By addressing the limitations of existing solutions and introducing groundbreaking features, Dedot equips developers with the tools they need to build efficient, scalable, and user-friendly applications in a multi-chain future. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to the ecosystem, Dedot is poised to be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of blockchain technology.

For more information, visit Dedot on GitHub or join the conversation on Twitter and Telegram.

Dedot Community Videos


Building a Better Polkadot Client: The DeDot Story with Thang - AwesomeDOT Podcast #5