Feature Request Moralis Web3 Support For Berachain Token Prices

by StackCamp Team 64 views

This article addresses a critical feature request for Moralis Web3: support for Berachain (chainId: 80094) in the token price API endpoints. The lack of support for Berachain token prices hinders the ability of developers to build comprehensive DeFi dashboards and applications that accurately reflect user positions and valuations across this emerging blockchain. This article details the problem, proposed solution, considered alternatives, and additional context to underscore the importance of adding Berachain support to Moralis Web3.

Problem Statement: The Need for Berachain Token Price Support

Berachain token price data is essential for building DeFi dashboards and applications that offer a complete and accurate view of user portfolios. The primary issue arises when developers attempt to fetch token prices for Berachain (chainId: 80094) using the Moralis API. Currently, the API returns a "chain must be a valid enum value" error, effectively preventing the retrieval of USD valuations for assets held on Berachain. This limitation is particularly impactful for users engaged with Berachain-based protocols like Euler Finance, where accurate valuation is crucial for understanding their financial positions.

This lack of Berachain token price support significantly impedes the user experience for DeFi applications targeting this blockchain. Without accurate USD valuations, users are left with incomplete information, making it challenging to assess their portfolio performance and make informed decisions. For instance, users holding tokens on Euler Finance within the Berachain ecosystem cannot readily determine the USD value of their positions, which is a fundamental requirement for effective portfolio management.

Moreover, the inability to fetch Berachain token prices forces developers to seek alternative, often less reliable, solutions. This not only increases the complexity of the development process but also introduces potential inconsistencies in data accuracy. A centralized, unified API like Moralis, which offers caching capabilities, is the preferred solution for many developers. However, without Berachain support, the benefits of this unified approach are diminished, requiring developers to implement workarounds that may compromise data integrity and application performance.

Proposed Solution: Adding Berachain Support to Moralis API

The ideal solution is for Moralis to add support for Berachain (chainId: 80094) across its token price API endpoints. This enhancement would enable developers to seamlessly fetch accurate USD prices for Berachain tokens, facilitating proper position valuation in DeFi applications. Specifically, the following methods and functionalities should be updated to include Berachain:

1. getTokenPrice() Method in the EvmApi.token Namespace

The getTokenPrice() method is a cornerstone for retrieving token prices, and Berachain support for this method is crucial. This would allow developers to directly query the Moralis API for the current USD price of any token on the Berachain network, streamlining the process of valuation and portfolio tracking. Integrating Berachain into this method ensures that developers can leverage Moralis's caching and reliability for this growing ecosystem.

2. Expanding Support Across Relevant Token-Related Endpoints

In addition to getTokenPrice(), all other relevant token-related endpoints that support multiple chains should also be updated to include Berachain. This comprehensive approach ensures that the entire Moralis API ecosystem is aligned, providing a consistent and reliable experience for developers building cross-chain applications. This includes endpoints related to token balances, metadata, and other token-specific information, all of which contribute to a holistic DeFi application.

3. Proper Chain Parameter Mapping

Correct chain parameter mapping is essential for accurate price retrieval. Moralis should implement a clear and consistent way to identify Berachain, such as using the chain ID (80094) or a designated string (e.g., 'berachain'). This mapping should be well-documented and easy to use, allowing developers to seamlessly integrate Berachain into their existing workflows without significant modifications.

By implementing these enhancements, Moralis can empower developers to build robust and accurate DeFi applications that fully support the Berachain ecosystem. This not only addresses the immediate need for token price data but also positions Moralis as a leading provider of cross-chain DeFi infrastructure.

Alternatives Considered: Why Moralis Support is Preferred

Several alternatives were considered before arriving at the conclusion that direct Moralis support for Berachain is the most effective solution. Each alternative has its own limitations and drawbacks, highlighting the unique value proposition of a unified API like Moralis.

1. Manual Price Aggregation

Manual price aggregation involves collecting price data from multiple decentralized exchanges (DEXs) on Berachain and calculating a weighted average. While this approach can provide price estimates, it is complex to implement and maintain. Developers must build and manage their own data pipelines, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Additionally, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of this data requires constant monitoring and adjustments, making it a less sustainable solution compared to a centralized API.

2. Alternative APIs

Exploring alternative APIs from other price feed providers is another option. However, Moralis is preferred due to its unified API and caching capabilities. Using multiple APIs for different chains introduces complexity and inconsistency into the codebase. A unified API simplifies development, reduces maintenance overhead, and ensures a more consistent data experience. Moralis's caching capabilities further enhance performance and reliability, making it a more attractive option.

3. Fallback to Token Amounts Only

As a temporary workaround, displaying only token balances without USD values was considered. However, this significantly reduces user experience. Without USD valuations, users cannot easily assess the overall value of their portfolios or compare performance across different assets. This approach is a suboptimal solution that fails to provide the comprehensive financial insights users expect from a DeFi dashboard.

4. Chain-Specific Price Feeds

Using different APIs for different chains adds complexity and inconsistency to the codebase. This approach requires developers to manage multiple integrations, each with its own quirks and limitations. The lack of a unified interface makes it more difficult to maintain and scale the application. Moralis's vision of a unified, cross-chain API is far more efficient and developer-friendly.

In summary, while alternatives exist, they fall short of providing the simplicity, reliability, and consistency offered by direct Moralis support for Berachain token prices. Moralis's unified API and caching capabilities make it the preferred solution for developers building cross-chain DeFi applications.

Additional Context: The Importance of Berachain Support

Berachain is an emerging EVM-compatible blockchain experiencing rapid growth in its DeFi ecosystem. Its increasing adoption and activity highlight the need for robust infrastructure support, including reliable token price feeds. Several factors underscore the importance of adding Berachain support to Moralis:

Emerging DeFi Activity on Berachain

The growing DeFi activity on Berachain is a key driver for token price support. As more protocols and users deploy on the network, the demand for accurate valuation data increases. Major protocols like Euler Finance have already deployed on Berachain, indicating its potential as a significant player in the DeFi space. Supporting Berachain ensures that Moralis remains relevant and competitive in the evolving blockchain landscape.

EVM Compatibility and Standard Tokens

Berachain's EVM compatibility simplifies integration for developers familiar with Ethereum-based chains. The chain uses standard ERC-20 tokens and follows EVM conventions, making it relatively straightforward to extend Moralis's existing functionality to support Berachain. This compatibility reduces the development effort required to add Berachain support, making it a practical and efficient investment.

Active Testnet and Mainnet with Significant TVL

Both the Berachain testnet and mainnet are active, demonstrating strong community interest and developer engagement. The chain boasts significant Total Value Locked (TVL) and trading volume, indicating a vibrant and growing ecosystem. Supporting Berachain allows Moralis to tap into this active market and provide valuable services to its users.

Benefit to Cross-Chain DeFi Applications

Supporting Berachain benefits many developers building cross-chain DeFi applications. These applications require access to price data from multiple blockchains to provide a comprehensive view of user portfolios and market conditions. By adding Berachain support, Moralis enhances its value proposition as a one-stop-shop for cross-chain data, empowering developers to build more powerful and user-friendly DeFi applications.

Technical Details

To facilitate the integration, here are some key technical details about Berachain:

  • Chain ID: 80094 (decimal) / 0x1388E (hex)
  • Network: Berachain
  • EVM Compatible: Yes
  • RPC Endpoints: Available
  • Block Explorer: Available

These details provide the necessary information for Moralis engineers to implement Berachain support efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding support for Berachain token prices to the Moralis Web3 API is a critical feature request that addresses a significant limitation for developers building DeFi applications. The lack of Berachain support hinders the ability to provide accurate USD valuations, impacting user experience and development efficiency. By implementing the proposed solution, Moralis can empower developers to build comprehensive cross-chain applications that fully support the Berachain ecosystem. Considering the alternatives and the growing importance of Berachain in the DeFi space, this enhancement is a strategic investment that will benefit both developers and the Moralis platform. This will solidify Moralis's position as a leader in providing essential infrastructure for the decentralized web.