Blockchain API Basics: Backend Wallets with Engine

Looking to build robust blockchain applications? In this guide, we'll explore thirdweb Engine, a powerful blockchain API, and show you how to manage and create backend wallets to execute onchain transactions with API calls.

What are Backend Wallets?

Backend wallets are blockchain wallets that operate on your server side, enabling automated transactions, token transfers, and contract interactions without requiring user intervention. They're essential for:

• Automated minting operations
• Gasless transaction relaying
• Batch operations
• Server-side blockchain interactions

Backend Wallets | thirdweb Engine

Engine performs blockchain actions using backend wallets that you own and manage.

thirdweb Engine

Engine Backend Wallet API

thirdweb Engine provides a comprehensive set of endpoints for managing and utilizing backend wallets. Let's break down what you can do:

1. Wallet Lifecycle Management

These endpoints handle the creation, importing, updating, and removal of backend wallets for your blockchain API.

POST  /backend-wallet/create             
→ Create new wallets

POST  /backend-wallet/import             
→ Import existing wallets

POST  /backend-wallet/update             
→ Modify wallet settings

DELETE /backend-wallet/{walletAddress}   
→ Remove wallets securely

2. Asset Operations

Handle everything related to the assets within your wallets. These endpoints provide visibility into wallet holdings and enable the movement of assets between addresses.

GET  /backend-wallet/{chain}/{walletAddress}/get-balance 
→ Check wallet balances

POST  /backend-wallet/{chain}/transfer   
→ Move assets between wallets

POST  /backend-wallet/{chain}/withdraw   
→ Extract funds from wallets

3. Transaction Handling

Transaction handling is your interface to the blockchain itself. These endpoints allow you to execute operations on the blockchain, from simple transfers to complex smart contract interactions. This group handles both individual and batch transactions, with built-in simulation capabilities for testing before execution.

POST  /backend-wallet/{chain}/send-transaction         
→ Execute single transactions

POST  /backend-wallet/{chain}/send-transaction-batch   
→ Handle multiple operations

POST  /backend-wallet/sign-transaction                 
→ Sign without sending

POST  /backend-wallet/{chain}/simulate-transaction     
→ Test before execution

4. Signing Operations

Signing operations handle all signing needs, from basic messages to complex structured data. This group is essential for creating verifiable proofs and authorized transactions without immediately broadcasting them to the blockchain.

POST  /backend-wallet/sign-message           
→ Sign arbitrary messages

POST  /backend-wallet/sign-data-type           
→ Sign typed data (EIP-712)

5. Transaction Management

Transaction management provides visibility and control over your transaction pipeline. These endpoints help you track transaction status, manage nonce sequences, and maintain a healthy transaction flow.

GET   /backend-wallet/{chain}/{walletAddress}/get-all-transactions    
→ View transaction history

GET   /backend-wallet/{chain}/{walletAddress}/get-nonce                 
→ Manage transaction sequences

POST  /backend-wallet/reset-nonces          
→ Handle nonce conflicts

Conclusion

A reliable blockchain API is essential for building robust web3 applications. thirdweb Engine's backend wallets provide the foundation for secure, scalable blockchain operations. Whether you're building an NFT marketplace, implementing gasless transactions, or managing complex token operations, these API endpoints give you the tools you need to succeed.

Ready to start building? Sign up for thirdweb Engine and begin integrating these powerful blockchain API features into your application today.