WalletScan | Advanced Wallet Aggregation using a Serverless Architecture
Computing Dissertation
A
Development Time
10 Weeks
Report & Citation
Video Demo
Keynote File
Challenge
The primary challenge in developing WalletScan, a Web3 wallet aggregation application, was integrating serverless computing with blockchain technology in a way that ensures scalable performance and cost efficiency. This involved managing the intricacies of serverless architecture to support robust and secure authentication, efficient data aggregation, and seamless user interactions. Moreover, the complexities of integrating third-party APIs for blockchain data retrieval and processing presented additional hurdles. Ensuring the application's ability to handle multiple user requests simultaneously without degradation in performance was also a critical challenge. Balancing these technical considerations with user-friendly design elements further complicated the development process, especially given the nuances of blockchain technology and the need for real-time data processing.
Results
The implementation of WalletScan demonstrated significant advantages of using serverless architecture in blockchain applications. Leveraging serverless platforms such as Firebase and Vercel resulted in reduced operational overhead, allowing rapid deployment without traditional server management constraints.
The application successfully processed multiple concurrent user requests, showcasing exceptional scalability and efficiency. Cost analysis indicated substantial savings compared to a serverful model, as serverless platforms adjust resource usage dynamically.
However, the study also identified limitations, such as the challenges involved in achieving granular control over backend processes and the necessity for more advanced debugging tools. Overall, the results affirmed the feasibility of serverless computing for scalable, real-time, data-oriented blockchain applications, highlighting areas for future improvement.
Process
1. Initial Research: Conducted a thorough analysis of existing literature on serverless computing and blockchain technology, identifying gaps and opportunities.
2. Design and Architecture: Developed theoretical designs for the application's architecture and user interface using tools like Figma, focusing on scalable, serverless solutions.
3. Technology Selection: Chose suitable serverless platforms such as Firebase for authentication and Vercel for deployment, ensuring compatibility with Web3 features.
4. Development and Integration: Implemented the application using a stack that includes Next.js, React, and various APIs for blockchain data. Developed serverless functions for data aggregation and user authentication.
5. Testing and Deployment: Conducted unit and integration testing to ensure reliability and performance. Employed CI/CD practices using GitHub and Vercel for smooth deployment across environments.
6. Evaluation: Gathered feedback through developer surveys, focusing on the effectiveness of serverless architecture and identifying potential improvements.
Conclusion
This dissertation has effectively demonstrated how serverless computing can enhance the development of scalable Web3 applications like WalletScan. By alleviating the burdens of server management and offering dynamic scalability, serverless architectures show immense promise for blockchain data aggregation. Despite encountering integration challenges and some technical limitations, the synergy between serverless platforms and blockchain technology proved capable of meeting the demands of modern digital economies. The project's findings provide a valuable reference for future endeavors seeking to combine these technologies. Recommendations include the enhancement of debugging tools and educational resources to further ease the transition for developers embracing serverless architectures.
Overall, this work sets a precedent for innovative solutions in the digital finance landscape, emphasizing the transformational power of serverless computing in decentralized applications.