Building Blocks are the foundational components, applications, and integrations that make up the Canton Network ecosystem. They provide ready-to-use functionality that application developers can integrate, and that end users interact with directly.
The Building Blocks Ecosystem
Canton Network provides several categories of building blocks:
Categories
Wallets
Wallets enable users and applications to manage Canton Coin and interact with the network.
| Type | Purpose | Audience |
|---|
| User Wallets | Personal CC management | End users |
| Wallet SDK | Integration into applications | Developers |
| Custodial Solutions | Enterprise CC management | Institutions |
- Canton Coin balance management
- Transfer execution
- Transaction history
- Traffic top-ups
Apps
Applications built on Canton Network, from reference implementations to production applications.
| Category | Examples |
|---|
| Reference Apps | Splice wallet, Scan explorer |
| DeFi | Trading, lending applications |
| Enterprise | Business process applications |
| Infrastructure | Tools and utilities |
Exchange Integration
Bridges to traditional finance and other blockchain ecosystems.
| Integration Type | Purpose |
|---|
| Fiat on/off ramps | Convert between CC and fiat |
| Crypto bridges | Connect to other blockchain assets |
| USDC integration | Stablecoin liquidity |
Token Standards
Standardized interfaces for creating and managing tokens on Canton Network.
| Standard | Purpose |
|---|
| CIP-0056 | Canton Network Token Standard |
| Holding interfaces | Standardized balance management |
| Transfer interfaces | Interoperable transfers |
For Different Audiences
For End Users
Building blocks you interact with directly:
For Developers
Building blocks to integrate into your applications:
For Operators
Building blocks to deploy and operate:
How Building Blocks Differ from Other Ecosystems
Canton Network’s building blocks have unique characteristics:
| Aspect | Traditional DeFi | Canton Building Blocks |
|---|
| Visibility | Public by default | Private by default |
| Composability | Permissionless | Privacy-preserving |
| Wallets | See all transactions | See only your transactions |
| Tokens | Public token balances | Private holdings |
Example: Wallet Experience
On Ethereum:
- Wallet shows your balance
- Anyone can query your balance
- All transfers publicly visible
- Transaction patterns analyzable
On Canton:
- Wallet shows your balance
- Only you (and entitled parties) see your balance
- Transfers visible only to participants
- Transaction patterns private
Building Blocks and Privacy
Building blocks in Canton respect the network’s privacy model:
| Component | Privacy Behavior |
|---|
| Wallets | Only show holdings you’re entitled to see |
| Apps | Operate within privacy boundaries |
| Tokens | Balances private to holders |
| Explorers | Show only your transactions (not network-wide) |
Unlike blockchain explorers on Ethereum that show all transactions, Canton explorers show only transactions where you are a stakeholder.
Getting Started
Depending on your role:
| If you want to… | Start here |
|---|
| Manage Canton Coin | Wallets for Users |
| Use Canton apps | Finding Apps |
| Integrate wallets | Wallets for Developers |
| Create tokens | Token Standard |
| Integrate exchanges | Exchange Overview |
Next Steps
