> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/openhive-network/wax/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to WAX

> Discover WAX, the powerful SDK for building Hive blockchain applications in Python and TypeScript

WAX is a comprehensive SDK that provides Hive blockchain protocol features to both Python and TypeScript/JavaScript developers. It wraps the core C++ hived source code, giving you high-performance access to blockchain operations with the convenience of modern programming languages.

## What is WAX?

WAX (Web Assembly eXtension) is a library that enables you to:

* Create and manipulate Hive blockchain transactions
* Sign transactions using various wallet providers
* Broadcast transactions to the Hive network
* Interact with Hive APIs (JSON-RPC and REST)
* Calculate manabar regeneration, HP, and other blockchain metrics
* Validate operations and transactions

Under the hood, WAX uses:

* **Python**: Cython bindings compiled to native `.so` modules for maximum performance
* **TypeScript**: WebAssembly (WASM) compiled from C++ via Emscripten

This architecture ensures that both language implementations share the same battle-tested C++ core from the hived node software.

## Key features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Dual language support" icon="code">
    Build in Python or TypeScript with identical APIs and behavior across both platforms.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Type-safe operations" icon="shield-check">
    Protocol buffer definitions ensure type safety and validation for all blockchain operations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flexible signing" icon="key">
    Support for multiple signers including Beekeeper, Keychain, MetaMask, PeakVault, and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Extendable APIs" icon="plug">
    Easily extend with custom API endpoints and REST API definitions to match your needs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Framework compatible" icon="layer-group">
    Works seamlessly with Next.js, React, Vue, Nuxt, Node.js, and other popular frameworks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Production ready" icon="rocket">
    Built on the same C++ core as Hive nodes, ensuring reliability and performance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Why use WAX?

### For Python developers

WAX brings the power of Hive blockchain development to Python with:

* Native performance through Cython bindings
* Async/await support for modern Python applications
* Full type hints and IDE autocomplete
* Integration with popular Python tools like Poetry

### For TypeScript developers

WAX provides TypeScript developers with:

* WebAssembly performance with JavaScript convenience
* Full TypeScript definitions and intellisense
* Automatic environment detection (web vs Node.js)
* Support for modern bundlers (Webpack, Vite, Rollup, Parcel)
* SSR compatibility for frameworks like Next.js and Nuxt

### Shared benefits

Both implementations offer:

* **Consistent API**: Learn once, use in either language
* **Protocol accuracy**: Direct use of official Hive protocol definitions
* **Active development**: Regular updates to match Hive network changes
* **Comprehensive testing**: Extensive test suites ensure reliability

## Core concepts

WAX is built around two main entry points:

<CodeGroup>
  ```python Python theme={null}
  from wax import create_wax_foundation, create_hive_chain

  # Offline operations (transaction building, signing, validation)
  wax = create_wax_foundation()

  # Online operations (API calls, broadcasting)
  chain = create_hive_chain()
  ```

  ```typescript TypeScript theme={null}
  import { createWaxFoundation, createHiveChain } from '@hiveio/wax';

  // Offline operations (transaction building, signing, validation)
  const wax = await createWaxFoundation();

  // Online operations (API calls, broadcasting)
  const chain = await createHiveChain();
  ```
</CodeGroup>

### Wax Foundation

The foundation provides offline operations:

* Transaction creation and manipulation
* Signature generation and verification
* Protocol validation
* Asset calculations (HIVE, HBD, VESTS)
* Transaction ID and digest calculation

### Hive Chain

The chain interface adds online capabilities:

* Automatic TaPoS (Transaction as Proof of Stake) data
* API calls to Hive nodes
* Transaction broadcasting
* Manabar calculations from live account data

## Use cases

WAX is perfect for building:

* **Social applications**: Create posts, comments, and votes on Hive
* **Wallet applications**: Manage keys, sign transactions, transfer funds
* **DeFi tools**: Swap tokens, provide liquidity, track balances
* **Analytics dashboards**: Query blockchain data, calculate metrics
* **Automation tools**: Curation bots, notification systems
* **Gaming applications**: Integrate Hive-based games like Splinterlands

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Install WAX for Python or TypeScript
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick start" icon="bolt" href="/quickstart">
    Build your first Hive transaction in minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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