SimpleHash Launches Beta Support for Stellar: Empowering Developers With a Future-Proof Blockchain
SimpleHash, a leading crypto token API platform used by many top wallets, is excited to announce beta support for the Stellar network. This milestone enables straightforward integrations for token-based applications, allowing developers to access Stellar’s token data—balances, transfers, DEX prices, NFT metadata, and more—through SimpleHash’s robust APIs. From wallets and portfolio trackers to marketplaces, tax software, and crypto social apps, Stellar’s unique approach to asset issuance and payments is now at your fingertips.
Why Stellar?
Stellar is a layer-1 open-source, decentralized, peer-to-peer blockchain designed with utility and payments in mind. Its primary goal is bridging traditional finance and the digital economy, facilitating rapid, low-cost cross-border transactions. While many blockchains promise similar capabilities, Stellar stands out thanks to its global network of “anchors”—on/off-ramps that link fiat currencies to digital assets—and its native interoperability standards, making it particularly strong for real-world use cases such as remittances, micro-payments, and treasury management.
Unlike Ethereum and other EVM-based chains, Stellar does not rely on gas metering in the same way. Instead, minimal fees (denominated in “stroops,” fractions of the native token XLM) protect the network from spam. Another distinct feature is trustlines, which act as explicit opt-ins for holding specific assets. This mechanism gives developers and users fine-grained control over which tokens can be held and reduces unwanted airdrops or token clutter.
A Different Approach to Assets and Contracts
While EVM-based chains typically use standardized contracts like ERC-20 or ERC-721, Stellar manages assets in a unique way. Each asset is identified by a code (e.g., “USDC”) and an issuing account. Multiple issuers can use the same asset code, but each is differentiated by the issuer’s public key. This flexibility not only supports various forms of stablecoins, remittance tokens, and NFTs, but also simplifies processes like clawback or required authorization at the issuer level.
Stellar’s smart contract layer, Soroban, is an additive feature that works alongside Stellar’s core functions. Soroban contracts, written in Rust and compiled to WebAssembly (Wasm), offer advanced programmability without displacing the network’s existing payment-centric features. Assets on Stellar are further integrated through the Stellar Asset Contract (SAC), which allows for on-chain logic while preserving issuer permissions such as clawback and authorization checks.
Key Advantages for Developers
1. High-Speed, Low-Cost Transactions: Stellar is well-suited for applications needing fast, frequent, or micro-transactions—ideal for payments, tipping, and loyalty rewards—since transaction fees and settlement times are minimal.
2. Real Fiat On/Off-Ramps: Stellar’s anchor network makes it easy to integrate bank deposits and withdrawals, opening the door to accessible global finance and cross-border operations.
3. Established Governance and Stability: While decentralized, Stellar benefits from mature governance processes (CAPs, SEPs) that guide upgrades and standardization, giving developers more predictability than on some newer networks.
4. Interoperable Smart Contracts With Soroban: Soroban focuses on streamlined functionality for asset issuance, permissions, and advanced financial tools, reducing overhead and security risks common in overly complex EVM systems.
5. Global Community and Tooling: An active network of developers, validators, and service providers, combined with thorough documentation and well-maintained SDKs, ensures a supportive environment for building and launching applications.
SimpleHash’s Role
SimpleHash simplifies blockchain data queries, abstracting away low-level complexities to help you move faster. With our platform, you can:
• Retrieve Token Balances: Access XLM and all issued assets (including NFTs or custom tokens) held by a Stellar account.
• Monitor Historical Pricing & DEX Data: Track price movements and trading activity on Stellar’s built-in decentralized exchange or any custom marketplaces.
• Fetch NFT Metadata: For Stellar-based NFTs, SimpleHash retrieves collection details, trading histories, and all relevant metadata.
• Build Multi-Chain Portfolios: Combine Stellar assets with EVM and other chain data to deliver a comprehensive cross-chain experience.
Our beta support for Stellar opens new possibilities for developers, whether you’re upgrading an existing wallet or creating a brand-new dApp. Stellar’s minimal-fee structure and built-in features—anchors, trustlines, and the decentralized exchange—significantly reduce complexity for real-world applications. Instead of wrestling with blockchain nuances, you can focus on innovation and user experience.
Get started by exploring SimpleHash’s documentation and setting up your API key. We’re eager for your feedback as we refine and expand our Stellar integration. By uniting Stellar’s reliable payment architecture and global reach with SimpleHash’s comprehensive token APIs, developers can build next-generation financial solutions that are ready for immediate, real-world utility.
