Ledger Live Wallet – Getting Started Developer Portal

Welcome to the Ledger Developer Portal. Ledger Live™ is now referred to as **Ledger Wallet™**, and Ledger hardware wallets are **Ledger signers**. This guide provides an overview of the resources available for building, testing, and submitting your apps for Ledger devices (Nano S+, Nano X, Stax, Flex).

1. Core Development Paths for Ledger Wallet

The Ledger Developer Portal supports integration across three main pillars:

1.1. Device App Development (C/Rust)

This is for developers looking to build apps that run directly on the Ledger device. These apps allow the Ledger signer to process and sign transactions for your specific blockchain or asset.

Tools and Languages Required:

**Languages:** C or Rust for the application logic.
**Tooling:** Ledger VS Code extension for easy setup, building, and testing.
**Boilerplates:** Available for C and Rust to quickstart projects.

Note: All Device Apps require a mandatory security audit before publication.

1.2. Ledger Wallet Integration (Frontend & Backend)

This path focuses on how your blockchain or dApp interacts with the Ledger Wallet (formerly Ledger Live) application.

Blockchain/Coin Integration Steps:

Adding a new blockchain involves setting up account derivation, creating a coin module, and ensuring seamless transaction flow within Ledger Wallet.

**Languages:** Primarily TypeScript and React Native for modifications to `live-common` and the Ledger Wallet applications (LLD/LLM).
**Dependencies:** Node.js, Pnpm, Python, and a C/C++ toolchain.

Official Link 1: Getting Started - Device App

2. Security and Auditing

Security is paramount. Every app must undergo rigorous scrutiny.

2.1. Mandatory Security Audit

Before any device app can be publicly available, it must pass a functional and security audit conducted by Ledger's approved partners, such as **Kudelski IoT** or **Quarkslab**. This is at the developer's expense.

Importance of Clear Signing:

The security model requires **Clear Signing**, where transaction details are displayed in a human-readable format on the Ledger signer screen. This ensures the user is confirming the exact transaction they intend.

Official Link 2: Clear Signing Documentation

3. Integration Options

Developers can choose between a full contract with Ledger or Autonomous Development.

3.1. Full Ledger Development Contract

Ledger's team handles the full development of the device app and Ledger Wallet integration, guaranteeing ongoing maintenance and official support.

3.2. Autonomous Development

You develop the app with your own team or hired contractors. The app must still undergo the mandatory security audit for publication on the 'My Ledger' app list.

Official Link 3: Development Agreements Official Link 4: Adding Your Blockchain to Ledger Wallet Official Link 5: Ledger Developer Portal Index

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between Ledger Live™ and Ledger Wallet™?

A: Ledger Live™ has been rebranded to **Ledger Wallet™** as part of an update to consolidate branding. The core functionality remains the same.

Q: Do I need a physical Ledger device for development?

A: Yes, a physical Ledger device is a hardware prerequisite for final testing, especially for Device App development, to ensure full compatibility and security.

Q: Where can I find the official Ledger Live application download?

A: Always download the official application only from **ledger.com** to avoid phishing or malicious versions.

Official Link 6: Ledger Live Getting Started Guide (Support) Official Link 7: How to set up your Ledger hardware wallet Official Link 8: Ledger Live Setup & Getting Started Guide (External) Official Link 9: Developer Tools and Boilerplates Official Link 10: Ledger Nano Gen5 Porting Guide