Stellar (XLM) is a decentralized blockchain platform designed to enable fast, low-cost cross-border payments and financial inclusion. For developers interested in building on the Stellar network, a wealth of tools, documentation, and community support is available. This guide explores where to access essential XLM API endpoints, development kits, testing environments, and more—helping you get started with confidence.
Official Stellar Documentation and Developer Portal
The Stellar.org Developer Portal is the primary source for all official API references, technical guides, and integration tutorials. It provides comprehensive documentation covering:
- Horizon API: The RESTful interface that allows interaction with the Stellar network—used for querying account data, submitting transactions, monitoring ledgers, and more.
- Key Concepts: In-depth explanations of core components like accounts, assets, trustlines, offers, and the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP).
- Getting Started Guides: Step-by-step walkthroughs for sending your first transaction, creating wallets, and issuing custom assets.
Whether you're building a payment gateway or a decentralized finance (DeFi) application, the developer portal ensures you have accurate, up-to-date information directly from the Stellar Development Foundation.
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Stellar Laboratory: Test and Build Transactions in Real Time
One of the most valuable resources for developers is the Stellar Laboratory—an interactive web-based environment that simplifies testing and debugging.
With Stellar Laboratory, you can:
- Construct and sign transactions without writing code
- Simulate account creation, payments, and asset issuance
- Decode and inspect XDR (External Data Representation) formats
- Use the built-in API explorer to test Horizon endpoints
This tool is ideal for both beginners learning how Stellar transactions work and experienced developers validating complex operations before deploying them in production.
Official Stellar SDKs for Multiple Programming Languages
To streamline development, Stellar offers officially maintained Software Development Kits (SDKs) for popular programming languages. These SDKs abstract low-level details of the Horizon API and cryptographic functions, allowing faster and safer integration.
Available SDKs include:
- JavaScript/TypeScript – Perfect for web apps and Node.js backends
- Python – Ideal for scripting, automation, and fintech integrations
- Java & Android – Great for enterprise applications and mobile wallets
- Go – High-performance backend services
- Ruby – Rapid prototyping and Rails-based platforms
All SDKs are open-source and hosted on GitHub under the stellar GitHub organization. Each comes with detailed READMEs, code examples, and unit tests to help you implement secure, reliable functionality.
Explore Stellar Core Source Code
For advanced developers or those interested in network infrastructure, Stellar Core is the underlying consensus engine that powers the entire network. It validates transactions, maintains ledger integrity, and participates in the SCP.
By exploring the Stellar Core GitHub repository, you can:
- Study the C++ implementation of consensus logic
- Understand node configuration and deployment
- Contribute to protocol improvements or run your own validator
This level of transparency supports trustless verification and encourages community-driven innovation—an essential aspect of any robust blockchain ecosystem.
Join the Stellar Developer Community
Engagement with fellow builders is crucial for long-term success. The Stellar Community Forum and associated channels offer active discussions around development challenges, best practices, and new use cases.
You can:
- Ask questions about API behavior or error handling
- Share your projects and receive feedback
- Stay updated on network upgrades like protocol changes or inflation pool adjustments
- Participate in hackathons and grant programs
Community involvement not only accelerates learning but also opens doors to collaboration and funding opportunities within the broader Stellar ecosystem.
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- XLM API
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These terms reflect common queries from developers seeking technical onboarding paths into the Stellar network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Horizon API used for in Stellar development?
The Horizon API acts as a gateway between your application and the Stellar network. It translates high-level HTTP requests into low-level ledger operations—allowing you to retrieve account details, submit transactions, stream payment events, and monitor offers—all via simple REST calls.
Are there mobile-friendly SDKs for building Stellar wallets?
Yes. The JavaScript SDK supports React Native, while native Android (Java/Kotlin) and iOS (via Swift wrappers) integrations are actively maintained. This makes it feasible to build secure, feature-rich mobile wallets across platforms.
How do I test transactions before going live?
Use Stellar Laboratory to simulate transactions in a risk-free environment. You can generate keypairs, fund test accounts using the Friendbot faucet, and submit transactions to the testnet—all without spending real XLM.
Is it free to use the Stellar API?
Yes. Access to public Horizon servers is completely free. However, for production applications requiring high availability or enhanced performance, consider running your own Horizon instance or using a dedicated API provider.
Can I issue my own token on the Stellar network?
Absolutely. Stellar supports custom assets—ideal for stablecoins, loyalty points, or fiat-backed tokens. Using the changeTrust and payment operations, you can issue and distribute your asset globally with minimal fees.
Where can I find sample projects or code templates?
GitHub hosts numerous open-source projects ranging from simple CLI tools to full wallet implementations. Search repositories tagged with “stellar” or “xlm” to find working examples that match your tech stack.
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Final Thoughts
The Stellar network stands out for its developer-friendly design, transparent architecture, and strong community support. From official documentation and SDKs to interactive labs and open-source core software—everything you need to build impactful financial applications is readily accessible.
By leveraging these XLM developer resources strategically, you position yourself at the forefront of inclusive finance innovation. Whether you're creating remittance solutions, asset tokenization platforms, or decentralized exchanges, Stellar provides the scalability and simplicity required for real-world adoption.
No matter your experience level, now is an excellent time to explore what's possible on one of the most accessible public blockchains available today.