Simplify Starknet Address Management with Human-Readable Names
Tired of copying and pasting long, complex hexadecimal strings for every transaction on Starknet? This guide will show you how to swap those unmemorable wallet addresses for simple, human-readable names that cut down on errors and make your on-chain activity smoother.
We'll walk you through the exact steps to set up and use a simplified naming system. Follow this process to get rid of 'address anxiety' and enjoy a friendlier experience across all Starknet dApps.
A simple on-chain name makes transactions less complicated.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- An active Starknet wallet with enough funds to register a name
- A basic understanding of how transactions work on Starknet
- Access to the Starknet.ID platform
Step 1: Understand Your Current Address System
First, let's look at the limitations of your current setup:
- Count how many different Starknet addresses you use.
- Think back on any transaction errors you've had in the last month due to address mix-ups.
- Estimate the time you spend double-checking addresses for each transaction. It's often 30 to 60 seconds.
Checkpoint: If you're juggling more than three addresses or spending over two minutes on verification per transaction, it's time for Step 2.
Step 2: Compare Address Management Solutions
Let's compare three different approaches using the criteria below:
Traditional Hex Addresses
- Security: High (direct on-chain addresses)
- Usability: Low (long, 64-character strings are easy to mess up)
- Cost: Free
- Setup: None
Using an Address Book
- Security: Medium (depends on your local storage)
- Usability: Medium (you have to add and update entries manually)
- Cost: Free
- Setup: 10-15 minutes per address
Starknet ID (.stark Names)
- Security: High (verified on-chain via smart contracts)
- Usability: High (easy-to-remember names like 'yourname.stark')
- Cost: A registration fee for the name (price varies by length)
- Setup: About 5 minutes to get started
Decision Rule: If you make more than five transactions a week or interact with multiple dApps, Starknet ID is the way to go.
Human-readable addresses eliminate copy-paste errors.
Step 3: Register Your Starknet Identity
Follow these steps to claim your human-readable name:
- Go to https://starknet.id
- Connect your Starknet wallet.
- Search for an available name (it must be at least 5 characters long).
- Choose how long you want to register it for (1 to 10 years).
- Confirm the transaction and pay the registration fee.
- Wait for the confirmation, which takes less than 3 seconds on Starknet.
Verification: Once confirmed, the name will appear in your wallet as an NFT, which proves you own it.
Step 4: Configure Your On-Chain Identity
Now, link your new name to your Starknet account:
- Go to your Starknet ID dashboard.
- Set your primary name (if you have more than one).
- Set up reverse resolution, which links your wallet address back to your .stark name.
- Test it out by sending a small amount to your new name.
Critical Check: Before moving on, double-check that the name points to the correct wallet address.
Step 5: Implement Across Your dApp Interactions
Start using your new name instead of the long hex address:
- Update any saved contacts in your wallet to use .stark names.
- Share your .stark name instead of your full address for receiving funds.
- Use your name when interacting with DeFi protocols.
- Set your new name as your main identifier in different Starknet apps.
Operating Rule: Always double-check that the name resolves correctly before sending large amounts.
Activate Your Simplified Starknet Experience
You now have a simple system for managing your identity on Starknet. Your human-readable name will cut down on transaction errors and give you a consistent presence across the ecosystem.
Next Step: Use your Starknet ID to prove your identity on-chain and start swapping out those long hex strings for your new, simple name.
This simple change transforms your Starknet experience, moving you from clunky, error-prone addresses to smooth, memorable transactions with your own personalized on-chain name.