Introduction
The world of Web3 technology is continuously evolving, and Wormhole Connect stands at the forefront of this evolution. This open-source frontend SDK is revolutionizing how Web3 developers integrate asset bridging into their apps or websites, primarily focusing on wrapped assets. But what does this mean for users, and how does it work?
Using Wormhole Connect, when assets are bridged between different blockchains, they are converted into Wormhole-wrapped versions of the original tokens. For example, bridging Ethereum’s ETH to Solana converts it into WETH (Wormhole-wrapped ETH). These wrapped tokens can either be the primary form of the asset on the destination chain or be swapped on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for other assets as needed.
Supported Chains and Assets
At present, Wormhole Connect supports a robust selection of assets, including ETH, WETH, USDC, MATIC, WMATIC, BNB, WBNB, AVAX, WAVAX, FTM, WFTM, CELO, GLMR, WGLMR, and SOL. These can be bridged across several key blockchains: Ethereum, Polygon, BSC, Avalanche, Celo, Moonbeam, Base, Solana, and Sui. This wide range of supported assets and chains makes Connect a versatile tool for blockchain transfer.
Innovative Features: Automatic Relaying and Gas Dropoff
Two distinctive features of Wormhole Connect are automatic relaying and gas dropoff, enhancing user convenience. Automatic relaying, currently available for EVM-based chains, allows users to pay gas only on the source chain, with Connect covering the gas fees on the destination chain.
Gas drop-off is a feature centered around user convenience. When users pay an additional fee on the source chain, they can receive a small amount of native gas on the destination chain. This feature is particularly helpful for transactions on chains where the user does not hold the native currency. Currently, this feature is only available on EVM-based chains and Sui.
The Interface
Portal Bridge features a user-friendly and intuitive interface that simplifies the asset-bridging process. The interface is divided into two main sections: the source wallet “From” and the destination wallet “To.” In the source wallet section, you first select your network and then connect your wallet. The destination wallet section follows a similar approach, focusing on where you want to send your assets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bridging from Binance Smart Chain to Solana using Portal Bridge
Step 1: Select the Network
Begin by selecting your source network. While our guide uses the Binance Smart Chain (BNB Smart Chain) for demonstration, Portal Bridge supports various other networks, including Ethereum, Avalanche, Fantom, and more. Choose the network that holds the assets you intend to bridge. In this guide, we are focusing on bridging assets to the Solana network.
Step 2: Connect Your Wallet
Choose a wallet to connect to Portal Bridge. While several options are available, we’ll use MetaMask for this demonstration. Click on “Next” to allow Portal Bridge access to your assets, then click “Connect” to link MetaMask with Portal Bridge. Don’t forget that you can also use other wallets that are compatible with the Binance Smart Chain for this step.
Step 3: Select the Asset
Choose the asset you wish to bridge. For this example, we’ll select BNB. This step involves specifying which asset in your BNB Smart Chain wallet you intend to bridge to Solana.
Step 4: Select the Destination Network
Here, you’ll choose Solana as your destination network, determining where your bridged assets will be sent.
Step 5: Connect Your Destination Wallet
For the destination wallet, you have multiple choices. In this guide, we’re using Solflare for its compatibility with Solana. Select Solflare and click on “Connect.” Just like with the source wallet, you can choose any other wallet that supports Solana for this step. Grant Portal Bridge access to your assets in your selected destination wallet to receive the bridged assets.
Step 6: Enter the Amount to Bridge
Input the amount of BNB you want to send from your source wallet. The interface will show an estimated value for the assets before the bridging process begins. Consider transaction fees and minimum bridging amounts at this stage.
Step 7 (Optional): Convert for Gas Fees
This step is optional but essential if your destination Solana wallet is empty. Without SOL for gas fees, you won’t be able to use the bridged assets (like WBNB) on Solana. If necessary, convert a portion of your assets to SOL.
Step 8: Approve and Proceed with the Transaction
After reviewing all details in the “Preview” section, including wallet addresses and the amount, click “Approve and proceed with the transaction.” Then, confirm the transaction in your MetaMask wallet to start the transfer.
Waiting for Confirmation
Wait for the transaction to be confirmed. The progress can be monitored directly through the Portal Bridge interface.
Check Your Destination Wallet
Once the transaction is complete, ensure the bridged assets have appeared in your Solflare wallet. Confirm that everything has been transferred as expected.
Conclusion
In summary, using Portal Bridge to transfer assets from Binance Smart Chain to Solana, as demonstrated with MetaMask and Solflare, is a straightforward and efficient process. This guide highlights the ease and accessibility of modern blockchain technology, allowing users to bridge assets across diverse networks confidently.
As the blockchain landscape evolves, staying informed and cautious, especially regarding security and transaction details, remains crucial. Tools like Portal Bridge are pivotal in making these advanced technologies user-friendly and practical for everyday use. Remember, each step in this process is a step towards a more interconnected and versatile digital finance world.
