How to integrate communication layers into NFT contracts with Sending Network
As Web3 evolves and becomes more mainstream, integrating Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with communication platforms is becoming increasingly important.
We all know the myriad of issues that come with centralized platforms, but the way that many popular NFT platforms are built mirrors some of these issues.
Because NFT marketplaces are linked to wallet addresses instead of emails, there is no way for users to message each other on these platforms. This leads to centralized services being used for messaging and building NFT communities, and it causes the conversations around NFTs to migrate to places like Telegram and Discord.
In this educational post, we will delve into how Sending Network can be used to incorporate NFT contracts at the base layer, thereby creating a robust communications layer to enhance user engagement and foster community building.
Using Sending Network to build a Communications Layer for NFT Projects
Sending Network’s SDK is a decentralized encrypted communication infrastructure for universal chat.
It integrates core NFT smart contracts from any ERC-20 compatible marketplace like OpenSea.
One of the core components of the SendingNetwork SDK is its ability to link users, assets, and protocols seamlessly. This integration is particularly relevant in the context of NFTs.
By embedding social features such as social feeds, and community chats directly within NFT platforms, the Sending Network fosters a more interactive and engaging environment for users. This not only enhances the user experience but also drives community engagement, which is critical for the success of any NFT project.
So what are the steps to integrating the SDK into your project to create a communications layer with a focus on NFT contracts? It involves several technical steps:
- SDK Installation: Depending on the platform you’re developing for (e.g, PHP, Android, etc.), you’ll need to install the respective SDK. For example, for a PHP application, For a PHP application, you would copy and paste the Composer plugin: composer requires sending-network/sdn-php-sdk.
- Configuration: After installing the SDK, you must configure your application to interact with the Sending Network. This involves setting up credentials like your node URL, wallet address, private key, and developer key in a configuration file (for PHP, this would be in bot.creds.json).
- Client Initialization: Create an instance of the SDNClient (or the relevant client class for your SDK), passing in your configuration details. This step is crucial for establishing a connection to the Sending Network.
- User Authentication: To interact with the network, users will need to authenticate. The process typically involves generating a login token using the user’s wallet address and private key, and a developer key for secure access.
- Messaging and Room Management: With authentication complete, you can start creating chat rooms, inviting users, and sending messages. The SDK provides functions for these actions, enabling you to build out the communication features of your application.
- Extending Functionality: The Sending Network supports a wide range of functionalities, including wallet-to-wallet messaging, Dapp notifications, identity verification, and more. Leveraging these capabilities can enrich your application and provide a more integrated user experience.
For more detailed instructions and examples, you can refer to the Sending Network’s documentation on our GitBook page: PHP SDK Documentation for PHP integration, Android SDK Documentation for Android applications, and the Getting Started Guide for a broader overview of the platform’s capabilities and offerings.
Use Cases
Many teams across Web3 have begun integrating Sending Network in order to build out a robust communications platform for their projects.
Double.One and NFTGo have already integrated with Sending Network’s SDK in order to start building a communications layer for their NFT communities.
The use cases we have demonstrated for NFT communities are also possible for any other Web3 community such as a gaming project, wallet, or an exchange.
If you are manually managing a community, you can also consider using Sending Network to create token-gated chats. Users can then trade ERC-20 tokens, message to wallet addresses directly, and more.
A future where NFT platforms are thriving social hubs
The integration of communication layers into NFT contracts represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of the NFT space.
By enabling direct, wallet-based communication within NFT marketplaces and platforms, we’re enhancing user experiences and also laying the groundwork for more vibrant, engaged, and cohesive communities.
This shift towards integrated communication addresses the critical need for interaction within the NFT ecosystem, moving away from the isolation of centralized platforms and towards a more social, collaborative environment.
Looking ahead, the potential for innovation is boundless. We could see NFT platforms not only as places for trade but also as thriving social hubs where creators, collectors, and enthusiasts converge, share, and trade all in one decentralized app.
The implications for user retention, platform growth, and the overall dynamism of the NFT market are also profound.
In embracing these integrations, developers and platform owners can unlock new dimensions of value for their users, transcending the traditional boundaries of what NFT platforms can offer.
As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Web3, the integration of communication layers into NFT contracts stands out as a beacon of progress, community, and connectivity.
