zap-desktop
Zap Wallet - Cross platform Lightning Network wallet focused on user experience and ease of use ⚡️
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Quick Overview
Zap Desktop is an open-source, cross-platform Lightning Network wallet with a focus on user experience and ease of use. It provides a graphical interface for managing Lightning Network nodes and conducting transactions, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.
Pros
- User-friendly interface for managing Lightning Network nodes
- Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Active development and community support
- Integration with popular Lightning Network implementations (lnd, c-lightning)
Cons
- Requires running a full Bitcoin node for optimal security
- May be resource-intensive for older or low-spec computers
- Limited advanced features compared to command-line alternatives
- Dependency on external Lightning Network implementations
Getting Started
To get started with Zap Desktop:
- Visit the Zap Desktop releases page on GitHub.
- Download the appropriate version for your operating system.
- Install and run the application.
- Choose between creating a new wallet or connecting to an existing Lightning Network node.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your wallet and start using the Lightning Network.
For developers who want to contribute or run from source:
git clone https://github.com/LN-Zap/zap-desktop.git
cd zap-desktop
npm install
npm run dev
This will clone the repository, install dependencies, and start the development server.
Competitor Comparisons
Bitcoin wallet for iOS & Android. Built with React Native
Pros of BlueWallet
- Mobile-focused, providing a user-friendly experience on smartphones
- Supports multiple wallets and accounts within a single app
- Integrates Lightning Network functionality alongside on-chain transactions
Cons of BlueWallet
- Less customizable than desktop alternatives
- Limited advanced features for power users
- Relies on third-party Lightning Network nodes by default
Code Comparison
BlueWallet (React Native):
export default class WalletsList extends Component {
componentDidMount() {
this.refreshFunction();
}
refreshFunction = () => {
this.setState({ isLoading: true }, async () => {
await BlueApp.fetchWalletBalances();
this.setState({ isLoading: false });
});
};
}
Zap Desktop (Electron with React):
class Wallet extends React.Component {
componentDidMount() {
const { fetchBalance, fetchChannels } = this.props;
fetchBalance();
fetchChannels();
}
render() {
const { balance, channels } = this.props;
return (
<WalletBalance balance={balance} channels={channels} />
);
}
}
Both projects use React, but BlueWallet is built for mobile using React Native, while Zap Desktop uses Electron for desktop environments. The code structures are similar, with components managing wallet data and UI rendering.
A mobile Bitcoin wallet fit for the gods. ⚡️ Est. 563345
Pros of Zeus
- Mobile-focused, offering a native app experience for iOS and Android
- Supports multiple node implementations, including LND, c-lightning, and Eclair
- Includes features like channel management and routing node capabilities
Cons of Zeus
- Less extensive desktop support compared to Zap
- May have a steeper learning curve for new users due to advanced features
- Smaller community and potentially slower development pace
Code Comparison
Zeus (React Native):
import React from 'react';
import { View, Text } from 'react-native';
import { useNavigation } from '@react-navigation/native';
const HomeScreen = () => {
// Component logic
};
Zap (Electron with React):
import React from 'react';
import { useSelector, useDispatch } from 'react-redux';
import { Box, Flex } from 'rebass/styled-components';
import { FormattedMessage } from 'react-intl';
const Home = () => {
// Component logic
};
Both projects use React, but Zeus leverages React Native for mobile development, while Zap uses Electron for desktop applications. Zeus's codebase is more focused on mobile-specific components and navigation, whereas Zap's code includes more desktop-oriented elements and state management with Redux.
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Zap (UNMAINTAINED)
Zap Desktop is not actively maintained at the moment. If you're looking for a simple way to make lightning transactions take a look at Strike.
Lightning wallet focused on user experience and ease of use â¡ï¸
Zap is a free Lightning Network wallet focused on user experience and ease of use, with the overall goal of helping the cryptocurrency community scale Bitcoin.
The UI for Zap is created using Electron + React + Redux.
We have an active slack channel where you can join the discussion on development, design and product.
Table of Contents
Security
If you discover or learn about a potential error, weakness, or threat that can compromise the security of Zap, we ask you to keep it confidential and submit your concern directly to the Zap security team.
Install
Download the latest release for your appropriate OS and follow the instructions below.
macOS
Once you have the .tar.gz file downloaded, simply double click on the file to unzip.
Navigate to the newly extracted folder, then drag-and-drop the Zap.app file to the Applications folder.
Unmount the image and navigate to Applications folder.
Finally, double click on the Zap.app file.
Windows
Once you have the .exe file downloaded, simply double click on the file.
Linux
Once you have the .AppImage file downloaded you must make the file executable.
Once executible you can run either double click the file or run via the cli:
./file.AppImage
Documentation
If you would like to install from source, run a full bitcoin node, connect to a custom lnd instance or get involved with development please refer to our documentation:
Get Help
If you are having problems with Zap, please report the issue in GitHub or on slack with screenshots and/or how to reproduce the bug/error.
A good product not only has good software tests but also checks the quality of the UX/UI. Putting ourselves in the shoes of a user is a very important design principle of Zap.
Maintainers
Contribute
Hey! Do you like Zap? Awesome! We could actually really use your help!
Open source isn't just writing code. Zap could use your help with any of the following:
- Finding (and reporting!) bugs
- New feature suggestions
- Answering questions on issues
- Documentation improvements
- Reviewing pull requests
- Helping to manage issue priorities
- Fixing bugs/new features
If any of that sounds cool to you, feel free to dive in! Open an issue or submit a pull request.
If you would like to help contribute to the project, please see the Contributing Guide
This project exists thanks to all the people who contribute.
![dependabot[bot]](https://avatars0.githubusercontent.com/in/29110?v=4&s=64)
License
This project is open source under the MIT license, which means you have full access to the source code and can modify it to fit your own needs. See LICENSE for more information.
MIT © Jack Mallers
Top Related Projects
Bitcoin wallet for iOS & Android. Built with React Native
A mobile Bitcoin wallet fit for the gods. ⚡️ Est. 563345
Convert designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot