Blockchain Basics for Angular Developers Building Decentralized Applications

Blockchain technology is changing how we store, share, and secure data. For Angular developers, learning blockchain concepts can help build exciting decentralized applications (dApps). In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of blockchain and show how Angular can be used to create simple dApps with practical examples.

What is Blockchain?

Blockchain is a shared digital record that anyone can view but cannot change. It stores data in chunks called “blocks,” which are linked in a chain. Each block has:

🔹Data: The information, like transaction details.
🔹Hash: A unique code for the block.
🔹Previous Hash: The code of the last block, connecting the chain.

Key Features of Blockchain

  1. Decentralization: No single company or person controls the data.
  2. Immutability: Once data is added, it can’t be changed.
  3. Transparency: Everyone can see what’s in the chain.
  4. Security: Strong math (cryptography) keeps the data safe.

Related read: Getting Started With Blockchain Development: The Complete Guide

What Are Decentralized Applications (dApps)?

dApps use blockchain to let people interact directly without middlemen, like banks or companies. Their key features include:

🔹Smart Contracts: Programs on the blockchain that run automatically.
🔹Tokens: Digital money or assets for transactions.
🔹Interoperability: Work across different blockchains or systems.

Why Use Angular for dApps?

Angular is a framework for building great web apps. Here’s why it’s perfect for dApps:

🔹Organized Code: Makes large apps easier to manage.
🔹Reactive Data Handling: Tools like RxJS make data updates quick and smooth.
🔹Live Updates: Keeps the app’s data and display in sync.
🔹Large Community: Lots of resources and help available.

Combining Angular and blockchain lets you build powerful and interactive dApps.

Build Secure & Scalable dApps – Explore Our Blockchain Services!

Getting Started: Tools You Need

Here’s what you need to set up a basic dApp:

  1. Node.js and npm: For managing packages.
  2. Angular CLI: To create Angular projects quickly.
  3. Ethereum Wallet or Ganache: For blockchain interactions.
  4. Web3.js or ethers.js: Libraries to connect Angular to the blockchain.
  5. Smart Contract Tools: Solidity (a coding language) and frameworks like Hardhat or Truffle.

How to Build a Simple dApp with Angular

Step 1: Create an Angular Project

Run these commands to start:

ng new blockchain-dapp
cd blockchain-dapp

Add the Web3.js library:

npm install web3

Step 2: Connect Angular to the Blockchain

Create a service to handle blockchain tasks. Add a file called blockchain.service.ts:

import { Injectable } from '@angular/core';
import Web3 from 'web3';

@Injectable({
  providedIn: 'root',
})
  export class BlockchainService {
  private web3: Web3;

  constructor() {
    this.web3 = new Web3('http://127.0.0.1:7545'); // Connect to local blockchain (hardhat)
  }

  async getAccounts(): Promise<string[]> {
    return await this.web3.eth.getAccounts();
  }

  async getBalance(account: string): Promise<string> {
    return await this.web3.eth.getBalance(account);
  }
}

Step 3: Show Blockchain Data in Angular

Create a new component:

ng generate component blockchain-dashboard

Update blockchain-dashboard.component.ts:

import { Component, OnInit } from '@angular/core';
import { BlockchainService } from '../services/blockchain.service';

@Component({
  selector: 'app-blockchain-dashboard',
  templateUrl: './blockchain-dashboard.component.html',
  styleUrls: ['./blockchain-dashboard.component.css'],
})
export class BlockchainDashboardComponent implements OnInit {
  accounts: string[] = [];
  balances: { [key: string]: string } = {};

  constructor(private blockchainService: BlockchainService) {}

async ngOnInit() {
  this.accounts = await this.blockchainService.getAccounts();
  for (const account of this.accounts) {
  this.balances[account] = await this.blockchainService.getBalance(account);
  }
 }
}

Update blockchain-dashboard.component.html to display data:

<div class="dashboard">
 <h2>Blockchain Dashboard</h2>
  <ul>
   <li *ngFor="let account of accounts">
     <p>Account: {{ account }}</p>
     <p>Balance: {{ balances[account] }}</p>
   </li>
 </ul>
</div>

Step 4: Add a Simple Smart Contract

Write a basic smart contract in Solidity:

pragma solidity ^0.8.0;

contract SimpleStorage {
    uint256 private data;

    function set(uint256 value) public {
       data = value;
    }

    function get() public view returns (uint256) {
       return data;
    }
}

Deploy it using Hardhat, then update the service to interact with the contract:

async setContractData(value: number): Promise<void> {
  await this.contract.methods.set(value).send({ from: this.accounts[0] });
}

async getContractData(): Promise<number> {
  return await this.contract.methods.get().call();
}

Step 5: Test Your dApp

Run the Angular app:

ng serve

Check out your blockchain data on the dashboard and interact with your smart contract.

coma

Conclusion

Blockchain and Angular offer a powerful combination for developing secure, scalable, and decentralized applications. By utilizing Angular’s robust framework and blockchain’s trustless architecture, developers can create innovative dApps that redefine digital interactions. Whether you’re experimenting with smart contracts, building wallet integrations, or designing decentralized user experiences, now is the perfect time to explore this technology. Start small, refine your skills, and be part of the future of decentralized applications!

Keep Reading

Keep Reading

  • Service
  • Career
  • Let's create something together!

  • We’re looking for the best. Are you in?