Copy CN Portfolio UI Design For Splice Wallet Kernel

by Alex Johnson 53 views

In this article, we'll dive into the process of copying the original "Hosted Utility" / "CN Portfolio" UI from the canton-network-utilities repository into the example/splice-portfolio repository. This task involves taking the existing UI, stripping it of its backend dependencies, and adapting it to work with a new dApp integration. By the end of this guide, you'll understand the steps required to run the UI in a dummy or mocked mode.

Understanding the Task: Copying CN Portfolio UI

The primary goal here is to replicate the user interface of the CN Portfolio, which is currently housed within the canton-network-utilities repository. This UI, found in the hosted-utilities branch, specifically under the app/frontend/src/pages/investor directory, serves as a critical component for investors interacting with the network. However, to integrate it seamlessly with the Splice Wallet Kernel, we need to make some key adjustments. The challenge lies not just in copying the UI, but in decoupling it from its original backend dependencies. This decoupling is crucial because the new integration will rely on a different set of APIs and data structures provided by the dApp.

Why Decouple the Backend?

Decoupling the backend is essential for several reasons:

  1. New dApp Integration: The Splice Wallet Kernel employs a new dApp integration approach, which means the existing backend connections are no longer relevant. We need to rewire the UI to interact with the new dApp integration.
  2. Flexibility and Maintainability: By removing the original backend dependencies, we create a more flexible and maintainable codebase. This allows for easier updates and modifications in the future.
  3. Testing and Mocking: A decoupled UI can be easily tested and run in a mocked environment. This is crucial for development and debugging, as it allows us to iterate on the UI without needing a fully functional backend.

Steps Involved in Copying the UI

The process of copying the CN Portfolio UI and adapting it for the Splice Wallet Kernel can be broken down into several key steps:

  1. Copy the UI Files: The first step is to physically copy the relevant UI files from the canton-network-utilities repository to the example/splice-portfolio repository. This includes all the necessary components, stylesheets, and assets.
  2. Remove Backend Dependencies: Identify and remove any code that directly interacts with the original backend. This might include API calls, data fetching logic, and state management related to the backend.
  3. Adapt to New dApp Integration: Implement the new dApp integration by connecting the UI components to the appropriate APIs and data structures provided by the Splice Wallet Kernel.
  4. Implement Mocking: Set up a mocking environment to simulate the backend. This allows the UI to run independently and helps in testing and development.
  5. Test the UI: Thoroughly test the UI to ensure it functions correctly in the new environment.

Step-by-Step Guide to Copying the CN Portfolio UI

Let's walk through the process step-by-step to ensure a smooth transition of the CN Portfolio UI into the Splice Wallet Kernel environment.

1. Copy the UI Files

The initial step involves copying the necessary files from the canton-network-utilities repository to the example/splice-portfolio repository. Specifically, you need to navigate to the app/frontend/src/pages/investor directory within the canton-network-utilities repository. This directory contains all the components, stylesheets, and assets that make up the CN Portfolio UI. Copy these files into the designated location within the example/splice-portfolio repository, ensuring the directory structure is maintained to avoid any import or path-related issues.

This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the entire process. It's essential to ensure that all the required files are copied accurately to prevent any missing dependencies or broken components. Once the files are copied, you can proceed to the next step, which involves removing the backend dependencies.

2. Remove Backend Dependencies

This is a critical phase in the process. The copied UI components are likely to have dependencies on the original backend services and APIs. To adapt the UI for the Splice Wallet Kernel, these dependencies must be identified and removed. Start by examining the code for any API calls, data fetching logic, and state management mechanisms that interact with the backend. Common areas to look for include functions that use fetch or XMLHttpRequest, as well as state variables that store data fetched from the backend.

Replace these backend-specific implementations with placeholders or mock data. This ensures that the UI can function independently without relying on the original backend. For instance, instead of fetching data from an API, you might hardcode some sample data or use a mocking library to simulate API responses. This step is vital for decoupling the UI and preparing it for integration with the new dApp integration.

3. Adapt to New dApp Integration

With the backend dependencies removed, the next step is to adapt the UI to the new dApp integration provided by the Splice Wallet Kernel. This involves connecting the UI components to the appropriate APIs and data structures offered by the dApp. Start by familiarizing yourself with the dApp's API documentation and understanding how data is structured and accessed.

Modify the UI components to interact with the dApp's APIs instead of the original backend. This might involve updating function calls, modifying data mappings, and adjusting state management logic. Ensure that the data displayed in the UI is consistent with the data provided by the dApp. This step is crucial for ensuring that the UI functions correctly within the new environment and provides accurate information to the user.

4. Implement Mocking

Implementing a mocking environment is a crucial step for testing and development. Mocking allows the UI to run independently of the actual backend, making it easier to develop and debug. There are several ways to implement mocking, including using mock data, mock functions, or dedicated mocking libraries. Mock data involves hardcoding sample data that mimics the responses from the backend. Mock functions are functions that simulate the behavior of backend APIs. Mocking libraries provide more advanced features, such as automatically generating mock data and simulating different API responses.

Choose the mocking approach that best suits your needs and implement it within the UI. Ensure that the mocked data and functions accurately represent the expected behavior of the backend. This allows you to test the UI thoroughly and identify any issues before integrating with the actual dApp. Mocking is an essential tool for ensuring the stability and reliability of the UI.

5. Test the UI

Testing is a critical step in the development process. Once the UI is adapted to the new dApp integration and mocking is implemented, it's essential to thoroughly test the UI to ensure it functions correctly. Start by testing the basic functionality, such as displaying data and handling user interactions. Then, move on to more complex scenarios, such as error handling and edge cases.

Use a combination of manual testing and automated testing to ensure comprehensive coverage. Manual testing involves manually interacting with the UI and verifying that it behaves as expected. Automated testing involves writing scripts that automatically test the UI. This can help catch regressions and ensure that the UI remains stable over time. Thorough testing is essential for ensuring that the UI is reliable and provides a good user experience.

Running the UI in a Dummy or Mocked Mode

The ultimate goal of this process is to run the CN Portfolio UI in a dummy or mocked mode. This means that the UI should be able to function independently without relying on a live backend. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to achieve this goal. Once the backend dependencies are removed, the UI is adapted to the new dApp integration, and mocking is implemented, you can run the UI in a mocked environment.

To run the UI in a mocked mode, start the application and navigate to the CN Portfolio UI. The UI should display data based on the mocked data and function as expected. Verify that all the UI components are working correctly and that there are no errors or issues. Running the UI in a mocked mode allows you to develop and test the UI in isolation, making it easier to identify and fix any problems.

Conclusion

Copying the CN Portfolio UI design for the Splice Wallet Kernel is a multi-faceted task that involves more than just duplicating files. It requires a careful decoupling from existing backend dependencies, adaptation to a new dApp integration, and the implementation of a robust mocking environment. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully migrate the UI and ensure it functions correctly within the new ecosystem. This process not only enhances the flexibility and maintainability of the codebase but also facilitates easier testing and development.

Remember, the key to a successful transition lies in thorough testing and a clear understanding of the new dApp integration. By investing time in these areas, you can create a seamless user experience and ensure the long-term viability of the Splice Wallet Kernel. For more information on best practices in UI development and dApp integration, consider exploring resources from trusted sources like ConsenSys.