A Guide to the xrpl.js JavaScript Library for the XRP Ledger

The xrpl.js library is the official JavaScript and TypeScript SDK for interacting with the XRP Ledger (XRPL). It serves as the primary tool for developers building applications that need to communicate with this decentralized blockchain, enabling everything from simple balance checks to complex DeFi interactions.

This powerful library provides a comprehensive suite of features for managing keys, submitting transactions, reading ledger data, and subscribing to real-time updates. It is designed to work seamlessly in both Node.js environments and modern web browsers, making it a versatile choice for backend services, front-end applications, and everything in between.

Core Features of xrpl.js

The library abstracts the complexities of the XRP Ledger's API into a developer-friendly interface. Its core capabilities are essential for building robust applications.

Key and Wallet Management

The library includes a secure Wallet class for generating and managing cryptographic keys. For testing purposes, the Client.fundWallet() method is invaluable, as it can automatically create a new wallet and fund it with test XRP from a faucet on the XRPL testnet.

Transaction Submission

You can construct and sign a variety of transaction types—such as payments, escrows, and trust lines—and then submit them to the network using Client.submit(). The library supports all official XRPL transaction types.

Reading Ledger Data

To query the current state of the ledger, you use Client.request(). This method allows you to call public API methods to fetch account information, ledger details, transaction history, and more.

Real-Time Subscriptions

Applications can subscribe to real-time events using Client.subscribe(). This enables live updates for specific accounts, transactions, or overall ledger activity, which is crucial for exchanges, wallets, and monitoring services.

Data Formatting Utilities

The library includes helper functions for converting between different data formats used by the XRPL. For example, xrpToDrops() converts XRP to the smallest unit (drops), and rippleTimeToISOTime() translates ledger timestamps into human-readable ISO format.

Getting Started with xrpl.js

To begin integrating the XRP Ledger into your JavaScript project, you'll need to install and configure the library.

Prerequisites

A current version of Node.js (v18 or later is recommended) is required. The library is also compatible with modern web bundlers and browsers.

Installation

You can easily add xrpl.js to your project using npm or Yarn.

Using npm:

npm install --save xrpl

Using Yarn:

yarn add xrpl

Basic Usage Example

The following code snippet demonstrates a fundamental connection to a testnet server and a request for account information.

const xrpl = require("xrpl");

async function main() {
  const client = new xrpl.Client("wss://s.altnet.rippletest.net:51233");
  await client.connect();

  const response = await client.request({
    command: "account_info",
    account: "rPT1Sjq2YGrBMTttX4GZHjKu9dyfzbpAYe",
    ledger_index: "validated",
  });

  console.log(response);
  await client.disconnect();
}

main();

This example connects to a testnet server, requests validated data for a specific account, logs the response, and then disconnects. For a more thorough tutorial that includes funding an account and sending payments, you can explore interactive code sandboxes available online. 👉 Explore more strategies

Framework-Specific Setup

While the base installation is straightforward, some frameworks require additional configuration:

React (Create React App / Vite): May require polyfills for Node.js modules used by the library.
React Native: Needs additional shims for Node.js core modules.
CDN: A browser-ready version can be included directly via a CDN link for simple web projects.
Deno: Requires the use of an npm compatibility layer to import the library.

Detailed guides for these unique setups are available in the library's official repository.

Essential Documentation and Resources

Effective development with xrpl.js involves using two key documentation websites.

js.xrpl.org hosts the complete API reference for the library. Here you will find detailed documentation for every class, method, and utility function.

xrpl.org is the overarching resource for the entire XRP Ledger. It is indispensable for understanding:

Core concepts of the ledger technology.
The specifics of different transaction types.
The complete list of available API methods.
In-depth tutorials for implementing advanced features.

Finding Help and Community Support

Development can present challenges, and having a community to turn to is vital.

The XRPL Developer Discord server is an excellent place to ask questions. Its dedicated #javascript channel is populated with experienced developers who can provide guidance.

For bug reports or feature requests, you can open an issue on the library's GitHub repository. The maintainers aim to respond to all legitimate issues promptly.

Staying Updated

To receive notifications about new library versions, security patches, and major updates, you can subscribe to the low-traffic xrpl-announce mailing list. For those running production services, subscribing to the ripple-server mailing list is also advised for critical network updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary use case for the xrpl.js library?
xrpl.js is the main JavaScript SDK for building applications that interact with the XRP Ledger. It enables developers to create wallets, send transactions, query data, and listen for real-time events on the network, forming the backbone of exchanges, wallets, and other XRPL-based services.

How do I get test XRP to use during development?
The easiest way is to use the Client.fundWallet() method provided by the library when connected to an XRPL Testnet server. This method automatically generates a new wallet and funds it with test XRP from a faucet, which is perfect for development and testing scenarios without any cost.

Can I use this library to build a mobile application?
Yes, you can. The library is compatible with React Native, although it requires some additional configuration to handle Node.js modules. The official GitHub repository provides a dedicated guide for setting up xrpl.js in a React Native project.

What is the difference between xrpl.org and js.xrpl.org?
xrpl.org is the comprehensive documentation portal for the entire XRP Ledger, explaining its protocols and features. js.xrpl.org is the specific API reference documentation for this JavaScript library, showing you how to use code to interact with those protocols.

Is it safe to use the testnet for development?
Absolutely. The testnet is a separate network that uses fake XRP with no real-world value. It is designed specifically for testing applications and transactions without any financial risk before deploying to the live mainnet.

Where can I find example code for complex transactions?
The XRPL Dev Portal hosted on xrpl.org contains a vast collection of code samples for various use cases, from simple payments to complex decentralized exchange operations. These snippets are invaluable for understanding how to structure different transactions. 👉 Get advanced methods