SDK Reference

The Arch Network ecosystem provides two distinct SDKs for building applications. Each SDK serves different use cases and development environments. This page will help you choose the right SDK for your project.

Available SDKs

1. TypeScript SDK (by Saturn)

The TypeScript SDK is developed and maintained by Saturn (@saturnbtc) and provides a comprehensive JavaScript/TypeScript interface for interacting with the Arch Network.

Package: @saturnbtcio/arch-sdk
Repository: arch-typescript-sdk
Language: TypeScript/JavaScript
Best for:

Frontend applications (React, Vue, Angular)
Node.js backend services
Web3 applications
Rapid prototyping
JavaScript/TypeScript developers

2. Rust SDK

The Rust SDK is the native SDK included in the main Arch Network repository. It provides low-level access to all network features and is used for building high-performance applications and programs.

Package: arch_sdk
Repository: Part of arch-network
Language: Rust
Best for:

On-chain programs (smart contracts)
High-performance applications
System-level integrations
Validator/node development
Rust developers

Choosing the Right SDK

Use the TypeScript SDK when:

Building web applications or dApps
Working with Node.js backends
Integrating Arch Network into existing JavaScript projects
You need quick development cycles
Your team is more familiar with JavaScript/TypeScript

Use the Rust SDK when:

Writing on-chain programs for Arch Network
Building high-performance applications
Developing system-level tools or validators
You need maximum control and efficiency
Your team is comfortable with Rust

Quick Start Comparison

TypeScript SDK Installation

npm install @saturnbtcio/arch-sdk
# or
yarn add @saturnbtcio/arch-sdk

Rust SDK Installation

# In your Cargo.toml
[dependencies]
arch_sdk = "0.5.4"

Basic Connection Example

TypeScript SDK:

import { Connection, Keypair } from '@saturnbtcio/arch-sdk';

const connection = new Connection('http://localhost:9002');
const keypair = Keypair.generate();

const isReady = await connection.isNodeReady();
console.log('Node ready:', isReady);

Rust SDK:

use arch_sdk::{Connection, Keypair};

#[tokio::main]
async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
    let connection = Connection::new("http://localhost:9002");
    let keypair = Keypair::new();
    
    let is_ready = connection.is_node_ready().await?;
    println!("Node ready: {}", is_ready);
    
    Ok(())
}

Pubkey - Public key type for identifying accounts
Account - Account structure and management
Instructions and Messages - Transaction building
Runtime Transaction - Transaction format
Processed Transaction - Transaction results
Signature - Digital signatures

Feature Comparison

Feature	TypeScript SDK	Rust SDK
Language	TypeScript/JavaScript	Rust
Installation	npm/yarn	Cargo
Async Support	Promises/async-await	Tokio async
Program Development	Client-side only	Full support
Browser Support	✅ Full	❌ No
Node.js Support	✅ Full	✅ Full
Performance	Good	Excellent
Type Safety	TypeScript types	Rust type system
Bundle Size	~200KB	N/A
Learning Curve	Moderate	Steep