LnProject is a multi-language learning initiative focused on introducing developers to the Bitcoin Lightning Network by building a real-world inspired remittance app — modeled after Tando, a service that enables users to spend Bitcoin in Kenya through a fiat offramp.
This project helps developers understand how to:
- Send/receive Lightning payments
- Integrate with Lightning nodes (LND, Core Lightning, etc.)
- Build an on-ramp/off-ramp bridge for real-world payments
- Develop wallet-to-merchant settlement workflows
- Apply Lightning in remittance use cases
The core goal of this project is to help developers learn Lightning by building a mock cross-border remittance app where:
- A user sends Lightning BTC to a mock offramp provider.
- The provider then settles the fiat equivalent (e.g. KES, NGN, ZAR) to the merchant/receiver.
- All components are simulated or modular to keep the focus on learning Lightning and building integrations.
Each branch supports a different language (e.g. Python, Rust, Go) to allow contributions from a broad community.
- How the Lightning Network works (channels, invoices, HTLCs)
- How to interact with Lightning node APIs (LND, Core Lightning, etc.)
- How to send/receive LN payments programmatically
- How to create Lightning wallets, invoices, and pay them
- Optional: Building front-end interfaces for users and merchants
| Branch | Language | Status | Maintainers |
|---|---|---|---|
main | Meta/Docs | ✅ Active | Core team |
python | Python | 🛠 In Progress | @alice, @bob |
go | Go | 🧪 Experimental | @carol |
javascript | JavaScript | 🛠 In Progress | Open for volunteers |
rust | Rust | 🧪 Early Stage | TBD |
Want to start a new language branch? Open an issue or fork and submit a PR to propose your language of choice.
User Wallet (LN) │
▼
[LnProject Frontend]
│
▼
[Ln Node API (e.g., LND gRPC/REST)]
│
▼
[Mock Offramp Logic]
│
▼
[Fiat Settlement Simulation (e.g., pay to Bank / M-Pesa)]
## 🔧 Core Features to Build
Each language implementation should aim to support the following:
⚡ Lightning Functionality
Create a new LN wallet (connect to LND or Core Lightning node)
Generate invoices (BOLT11)
Pay invoices
Monitor payment status and incoming transactions
Lightning address (optional)
🏦 Offramp Simulation
Receive LN payment
Simulate fiat payout to merchant (e.g. log a KES payout)
Webhook or callback-based merchant notifications
Optional: Simulated KYC/user records
📱 Frontend/UI (Optional)
Simple user interface for sending BTC via LN
Merchant interface to track incoming payouts
QR code invoice display and scanning
🌍 Remittance Logic
Choose recipient country and currency
Estimate fiat equivalent for payout
Build mock settlement provider interface (admin console or CLI)
##🔌 Integrating a Lightning Node
We recommend using LND (Lightning Network Daemon) for development.
Other node options: Core Lightning (c-lightning), Eclair
Use regtest or testnet for development
Get testnet BTC from a faucet: https://testnet-faucet.mempool.co/
## 🤝 Contributing
We welcome contributors in all languages! Here's how to get started:
Check out an existing language branch (e.g. python, rust, go)
Or propose a new one (e.g. csharp, kotlin, swift)
Follow the contribution guidelines in that branch
Submit PRs to the appropriate branch only
Each language branch should include:
README.md with setup instructions
Tests (unit/integration)
CLI or UI interface (optional)
📢 We encourage reusable architecture across implementations, but each branch is free to adapt based on the language's strengths and idioms.
## 🛡️ Security Notes
This project is intended for educational and experimental purposes. Do not use it for real funds unless you thoroughly audit the code and understand Bitcoin security principles.
## 🔗 Connect with Us
Twitter: @BitDevsLagos