Ledger Wallet Support

Contributing to Ledger Live’s Open-Source Development 

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Contributing to Ledger Live’s open-source development is an exciting opportunity for developers to enhance the platform, add new features, fix bugs, or integrate support for additional blockchains—all while helping improve a tool used by millions to manage their cryptocurrency securely. 

Contributing to Ledger Live’s Open-Source Development 

Ledger Live, the companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, and Stax), is largely open-source, with its JavaScript ecosystem hosted in a monorepo on GitHub. While not every component (e.g., the Secure Element firmware) is open, the majority of Ledger Live’s codebase welcomes community contributions under an MIT license. 

Please download the last update of Ledger Live Application:

1. Ledger Live for Windows 10/11

2. Ledger Live for MAC

3. Ledger Live for Android

Below, I’ll guide you through the process of getting started, based on its current setup.

Understanding Ledger Live’s Open-Source Structure

  • Open-Source Scope: The Ledger Live application (desktop and mobile), its JavaScript libraries (ledgerjs), and supporting ecosystem packages are open-source. You can review, modify, and contribute to these on GitHub at github.com/LedgerHQ/ledger-live. However, the firmware (BOLOS) and Secure Element components remain proprietary for security reasons—Ledger prioritizes tamper resistance over full transparency here.
  • Monorepo Architecture: The ledger-live repository is a monorepo containing:
    • apps/ledger-live-desktop: The desktop app (deprecated standalone, now part of the monorepo).
    • apps/ledger-live-mobile: The mobile app.
    • libs/: Shared JavaScript libraries (e.g., ledger-core for blockchain syncing).
    • wallet-api: Tools for integrating dApps with Ledger Live.
  • License: MIT—freely allows copying, forking, and modification with minimal restrictions.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Explore the Repository

  • Visit GitHub: Head to github.com/LedgerHQ/ledger-live—this is the central hub for Ledger Live’s open-source code.
  • Read the README: The root README.md provides an overview, setup instructions, and contribution guidelines—start here.
  • Understand Packages: Each folder (e.g., apps/ledger-live-mobile, libs/ledger-core) has its own README.md with specific details—check these for package-specific contribution notes.

Step 2: Set Up Your Development Environment

  1. Clone the Repository:
    • Run: git clone git@github.com:LedgerHQ/ledger-live.git
    • Navigate: cd ledger-live
  2. Install Dependencies:
    • Ledger Live uses pnpm (a fast package manager) and turborepo for monorepo tasks. Install pnpm globally: npm install -g pnpm.
    • Install project dependencies: pnpm install (at the root)—this sets up all packages.
    • Note: Some packages may require additional tools (e.g., Node.js 18+, Yarn for legacy builds)—check nested READMEs.
  3. Build the Project:
    • Run: pnpm build—builds all dependencies and apps in the correct order (turborepo handles this).
    • For desktop: pnpm build:lld (Ledger Live Desktop).
    • For mobile: pnpm build:llm (Ledger Live Mobile—may need Android Studio/Xcode for full builds).
  4. Run Locally:
    • Desktop: pnpm desktop start—launches the app in development mode.
    • Mobile: pnpm mobile start—requires emulator setup (e.g., iOS Simulator, Android AVD).

Step 3: Identify Contribution Opportunities

  • Issues: Browse the GitHub Issues tab—look for “good first issue” or “help wanted” labels—e.g., fixing a UI bug or adding a new ERC-20 token.
  • Feature Requests: Propose features (e.g., better staking UI)—check existing issues to avoid duplicates.
  • Blockchain Integration: Add support for a new chain—start with the Ledger Live Integration Form (developers.ledger.com) for official vetting, then code the app.
  • Bug Fixes: Test Ledger Live locally—report or fix glitches (e.g., slow syncing)—use Settings > Help > Export Logs to debug.

Step 4: Make Your Contribution

  1. Fork and Branch:
    • Fork the repo to your GitHub account—clone your fork locally.
    • Create a branch: git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name (e.g., feature/add-solana-staking).
  2. Code Changes:
    • Modify files—e.g., update libs/ledger-core for a new blockchain or fix a React component in apps/ledger-live-desktop.
    • Test locally—ensure it builds (pnpm build) and runs (pnpm start).
  3. Commit and Push:
    • Commit: git commit -m “Add Solana staking support in Ledger Live”
    • Push: git push origin feature/your-feature-name
  4. Submit a Pull Request (PR):
    • On GitHub, open a PR from your branch to LedgerHQ/ledger-live’s develop branch.
    • Describe your changes—reference any linked issues (e.g., “Fixes #1234”).
    • Await review—Ledger’s team or community may request adjustments.

Step 5: Engage with the Community

  • Guidelines: Follow the CONTRIBUTING.md (if available)—covers PR etiquette, coding standards (e.g., TypeScript, React norms).
  • Support: Ask questions in the PR or on Ledger’s Developer Portal Discord (developers.ledger.com/discord) if stuck—e.g., “How do I test a new coin app?”
  • Nightly Builds: Test your changes in nightly releases (@nightly tag on npm)—Ledger auto-builds these for early feedback.

Tips for Successful Contributions

  • Start Small: Fix a typo in docs or a minor UI bug—e.g., tweak a button label in apps/ledger-live-desktop/src/components.
  • Focus on Supported Areas: Bug fixes and small features are welcome—major features (e.g., new staking protocols) need Ledger’s roadmap alignment.
  • Test Thoroughly: Use a test Ledger device or emulator—ensure your changes don’t break existing flows (e.g., BTC sends still work).
  • Avoid Secure Element: Contributions can’t touch the closed-source firmware—focus on Ledger Live’s frontend, libs, or wallet-api.
  • Check PR Status: Ledger’s team prioritizes employee-driven updates—community PRs may take weeks for review unless critical.

Examples of Contributions

  • UI Fix: Correct a misaligned staking button—edit apps/ledger-live-mobile/src/screens/Staking.js.
  • New Coin App: Integrate a blockchain (e.g., Avalanche)—submit the Integration Form first, then code the app in libs/ledger-core.
  • Feature Add: Enhance swap UX—e.g., add a fee estimator in apps/ledger-live-desktop/src/components/Swap.

Security and Contribution Notes

  • No Private Key Access: Your code can’t interact with private keys—those stay on the Ledger device—focus on UI, network logic, or tools.
  • Verify Your Setup: Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live—use official GitHub links to avoid phishing (see “Avoiding Phishing Scams”).
  • Stay Legal: The MIT license lets you fork freely—don’t distribute modified builds claiming Ledger endorsement without permission.

Conclusion

Contributing to Ledger Live’s open-source development starts with exploring github.com/LedgerHQ/ledger-live, setting up the monorepo, and tackling issues or features—whether fixing bugs or adding a new blockchain. It’s a chance to shape a tool millions rely on, secured by Ledger’s hardware. Clone the repo, start with a small PR (e.g., a doc tweak), and engage via GitHub or Discord—your code could ship in the next release.