The **Ledger Developer Portal** provides three distinct paths depending on your project's nature—whether you're a blockchain team, a dApp builder, or a service provider.
1. Native Blockchain Integration (Accounts)
This path is for teams looking to add **direct account support** for a new coin or protocol within the main Ledger Live interface. This involves developing a dedicated **Device App** (often in C/Rust) that runs on the Ledger hardware's Secure Element (SE) chip. The official Ledger SDKs abstract the device communication, allowing users to **manage, send, and receive** your native token right from their Ledger Wallet dashboard, using Ledger’s proven deterministic derivation paths.
Key Tools: Device App Kit, Ledger SDKs (C/Rust), Comprehensive Security Review.
2. Live Apps Integration (Discover Section)
For decentralized application (dApp) builders, the "Live App" model allows embedding your web application directly within the "Discover" section of Ledger Live. This model leverages the **Ledger Services Kit** and the **Ledger Connect** protocol to manage all signing requests. The user experience is unparalleled: no external browser extensions are needed; all signing requests are securely routed to the connected Ledger device, ensuring the user remains in the trusted, non-custodial environment of Ledger Live. This significantly reduces the risk of phishing or compromise associated with other wallet connection methods.
Key Tools: Ledger Services Kit, Wallet API, App Manifest file (JSON), Developer Mode Testing.
3. Exchange & Service Provider APIs
Exchange, staking, and asset purchase providers can integrate high-volume services directly into Ledger Live. This deep integration allows users to **Swap**, **Buy**, or **Stake** crypto without their assets ever leaving the hardware wallet's protection. The integration focuses on robust backend APIs and transaction flow security, often utilizing dedicated endpoints. This path requires formal partnership agreements to maintain the integrity of the integrated services, providing a verified and secure gateway for financial operations within the ecosystem.
Key Tools: Dedicated Partner APIs, Transaction Validation Protocols, Compliance Checklists.