In the evolving landscape of distributed ledger technology (DLT), understanding the nuances of different tools and services is crucial for developers and teams looking to leverage these technologies. In this article, we delve into a comprehensive comparison between the Hedera Wallet Snap and the Hedera JSON RPC Relay, highlighting their unique features and capabilities.
Integration and SDK Utilization
The initial release of the Hedera Wallet Snap may appear similar to the JSON RPC Relay at first glance. However, a pivotal difference lies in the Snap’s integration with the native Hedera SDK. This direct integration not only harnesses the current capabilities of the Hedera SDK but also sets a foundation for future developments that can exploit the full range of functionalities offered by the SDK.
Capability Comparison
When it comes to community Hosted JSON-RPC Relays, such as Hashio, Arkhia, Validation Cloud, thirdweb and similar, their functionalities are confined to the offerings of the Hedera JSON RPC Relay. This primarily includes Hedera Smart Contract Services. In contrast, the Hedera Wallet Snap has the potential to extend its reach to a wider spectrum of Hedera features, encompassing native HTS (Hedera Token Service), HFS (Hedera File Service), HCS (Hedera Consensus Service), and potentially more.
Ethereum RPC API Specification Limitation
A crucial point to note is that RPC relays are typically limited to the Ethereum JSON RPC API specification. This limitation restricts their ability to fully represent or utilize the Hedera network functionalities that fall outside the scope of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) perspective. The Hedera Wallet Snap, by virtue of using the Hedera SDK directly, is not bound by these constraints. It is thereby capable of expressing and utilizing the entire scope of current and future functionalities implemented by the Hedera network.
User Experience and Network Configuration
A significant advantage of the Hedera Wallet Snap is its user-friendly approach to network configuration. Users of MetaMask, for instance, will find that the Hedera Wallet Snap eliminates the need for manual network configuration. This is because the Snap, powered by the Hedera SDK, automatically manages these settings, significantly simplifying the user experience.
Exploring Hedera Wallet Snap: A Step Forward
For teams looking to stay ahead in the DLT space, now is an opportune time to begin familiarizing with the Hedera Wallet Snap. The documentation available at https://docs.tuum.tech/hedera-wallet-snap is a valuable resource to begin exploring its functionalities. With the promise of rapid feature expansions in the coming months, engaging with the Hedera Wallet Snap now could offer a strategic advantage.
In summary, while the Hedera Wallet Snap and the JSON RPC Relay share certain similarities, it’s important to recognize their distinct roles in the DLT ecosystem, marked by differences in SDK integration, capability range, and user experience. As the Hedera Wallet Snap currently stands, both the JSON RPC and the Snap may be necessary or encouraged in a dApp, depending on specific development needs and goals as outlined in MetaMask Snaps — What Are They and How to Use Them.
Understanding these differences and the complementary nature of these tools is crucial for teams looking to make informed decisions in their ventures. By leveraging both the Hedera Wallet Snap and the JSON RPC Relay as needed, developers can optimize their applications to harness the full potential of the Hedera network.
FAQ
What are the limitations for connecting MetaMask to the RPC vs the Snap?
The Hedera JSON RPC Relay supports only the methods defined at Hedera JSON RPC Relay Methods, which are limited to Hedera Smart Contract Services. In contrast, the Hedera Wallet Snap uses the Hedera SDK to interact natively with the ledger, allowing in the future support of a wider range of Hedera services like HTS, HCS, and HFS, beyond just smart contracts.
How can I deploy a smart contract on Hedera using MetaMask?
To deploy a smart contract on Hedera using MetaMask, you will need to use the Hedera JSON RPC relay. You can deploy using tools compatible with EVM-based chains. For detailed steps, refer to Deploying Smart Contracts on Hedera.
Can a signer created via ED25519 account be used for Ethereum-based transactions?
No, you cannot use a signer created via ED25519 for Ethereum-based transactions due to the difference in cryptographic algorithms and key formats. EVM uses ECDSA with the secp256k1 curve, different from ED25519. For interacting directly with smart contracts on Hedera, only ECDSA-based accounts can be used.
How can I delegate the signing process to MetaMask or WalletConnect when using Hedera SDK?
Currently, there is no direct way to delegate the signing process to MetaMask or WalletConnect for transactions composed by the Hedera SDK, as they do not provide private keys of users.
Can I use JSON RPC relay for transactions against Hedera native services?
The Hedera JSON RPC relay exposes specific methods, as detailed at Hedera JSON RPC Relay Methods. You can use these methods for transactions with Hedera’s smart contracts. The Hedera Wallet Snap, using the Hedera SDK, can perform all Hedera transactions, and will eventually support interactions with smart contracts as well.
Why should I use the Snap instead of adding the Hashio RPC info to MetaMask?
While Hashio RPC and other RPCs are limited to methods exposed by the Hedera JSON RPC relay, the Hedera Wallet Snap, using the Hedera SDK natively, can offer access to all Hedera native features, including HTS, HFS, and HCS, enabling a broader range of interactions beyond smart contracts.
Is the Snap more suited for custom Hedera functionalities like HCS and HFS, which can’t be done solely with MetaMask?
Yes, that’s correct. The Hedera Wallet Snap is ideal for custom Hedera functionalities. It uses the Hedera SDK for all operations, allowing for native interactions with the full spectrum of Hedera’s offerings.
