Using NPM Packages with the New Web3.js Version: A Guide for Solana Developers
As a Solana Network developer, you are probably familiar with the popular Solana Explorer, which is an essential tool for checking the health and usage of your Solana wallet. However, when using the latest version of Solana Explorer (Solana v0.20.17 or later), it has been reported that certain NPM packages require an older version of Web3.js (Web3.js < 2.0.0). In this article, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to update your dependencies and ensure seamless use with the new Web3.js versions.
Why does Solana Explorer require a specific version of Web3.js?
The issue stems from the way Solana Explorer is designed to communicate with the Solana Network. The @solana-program/compute-budget package, which is used for budgeting and transaction validation, requires an older version of Web3.js to function properly. Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, upgrading Solana Explorer can cause these dependencies to fail.
Updating Dependencies:
To fix this issue, we will guide you through updating your NPM packages that require new versions of Web3.js. The exact steps will vary depending on your project’s specific setup and package configurations.
Step 1. Update @solana-program/compute-budget to a compatible version
First, check if @solana-program/compute-budget is installed as a peer dependency in your package.json file:
"dependencies": {
"@solana-program/compute-budget": "^2.0.0-beta.1"
}
If the previous version is already listed, you can remove it and upgrade to the latest beta version:
"dependencies": {
"@solana-program/compute-budget": "^3.0.0-beta.1"
}
Step 2. Update other dependencies that require Web3.js
Depending on the specific requirements of your project, you may need to update other NPM packages that rely on older versions of Web3.js. Some examples:
@solana/web3.js: Install the latest version (Web3.js ≥ 4.9.0) using npm:
npm install @solana/web3.js@>=4.9.0
compute-budget: Update to a compatible version as mentioned above.
@safeflix/fetch-api: Install the latest version (Fetch API < 2.1.5) and update the "package.json" file accordingly.
Step 3: Verify changes after updating dependencies
After performing these updates, verify that your project’s NPM packages are compatible with the new Web3.js versions by checking for peer dependencies in the « package.json » files or by using a tool like npm ls.
Conclusion
Updating your NPM packages to use new versions of Web3.js can require some effort and flexibility. However, by following these steps, you will be able to continue using the latest Solana Explorer features with compatible dependencies.
If you encounter any issues during the update process, please contact the Solana community forums or the relevant package maintainers for assistance.
By taking this simple step forward, you will be able to fully leverage the Solana Network and build applications that showcase its incredible scalability and performance.