Human-Readable Wallet Addresses for Blockchain Transactions

Project background 

Overview

Our client wanted a DNS-like service for Ethereum to allow users to transact using human-readable names instead of long hexadecimal addresses. This innovation aimed to upgrade usability and drive broader adoption of blockchain-based payments. The goal was to develop a system where users could purchase and manage aliases linked to their Ethereum wallets, making cryptocurrency transactions as seamless as sending an email.

Upon receiving the project, we discovered that the existing codebase was incomplete and non-functional, requiring a full redevelopment. The challenge was to build a turnkey decentralized solution with seamless integration with decentralized applications (dApps), web platforms, and mobile apps while maintaining the security and transparency expected in blockchain environments.

Project Goals

• Develop a human-readable address system for Ethereum users to replace long hexadecimal wallet addresses.
• Build a scalable web platform and public API to integrate with decentralized, web, and mobile applications.
• Implement secure smart contracts on Ethereum to manage address registrations, ownership, and transactions.
• Create a marketplace where users can buy, sell, and manage aliases, similar to traditional domain name services.

Challenges

• The project started with incomplete and non-functional legacy code, requiring a full architectural redesign.
• Developing a robust smart contract system that ensures ownership, security, and marketplace functionality without central authority control.
• Managing alias uniqueness and preventing squatting, ensuring fair distribution while enabling resales.
• Implementing a scalable API and web interface, allowing decentralized applications and traditional web services to adopt the naming system.

Our approach

Solution

Given the state of the existing code, we rebuilt the system from the ground up. Our first step was designing a scalable, secure, and fully decentralized architecture based on Ethereum smart contracts and ERC20 tokens. The smart contracts handled alias registration, ownership transfers, and pricing adjustments, ensuring trustless transactions without the need for intermediaries.

For the user interface, we developed a React-based web application that allows users to search for, purchase, and manage their aliases. The marketplace functionality was built to mimic domain name systems, where users could buy newly created aliases or purchase resold names from other users. The platform also included administrative features for setting system-wide parameters, such as token-based pricing and registration policies.

A public API was developed in Node.js, enabling external developers to integrate the service into decentralized applications, mobile wallets, and Web3-enabled platforms. All transactions were secured through Metamask authentication, ensuring users retained full control over their funds without exposing private keys.

Team

The project was executed by a cross-functional team of blockchain developers, full-stack engineers, and smart contract specialists. Smart contract engineers focused on the Ethereum-based logic, ensuring alias transactions were secure and immutable. Web developers created a smooth user experience, integrating React with Web3 for seamless interaction. Backend engineers developed the API and marketplace logic, enabling interoperability with external applications and services.

Results

We successfully developed and deployed a fully functional DNS for Ethereum, allowing users to transact with human-readable aliases. The platform supports secure alias ownership, a token-based economy, and a marketplace for trading names, providing a user-friendly experience while maintaining full decentralization.

The solution includes a web interface, a client application, a public API, and Ethereum smart contracts, making it accessible for both end users and developers looking to integrate the service into their applications. All transactions require authentication via Metamask or Brave browser, ensuring secure interactions without exposing sensitive information.