How to Create a Basic Ethereum Wallet Using QuickNode RPC

Creating an Ethereum wallet from scratch is a powerful way to understand blockchain interactions at a foundational level. In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a simple yet functional Ethereum wallet using QuickNode RPC and JavaScript. Whether you're a developer exploring decentralized applications or someone interested in blockchain technology, this tutorial offers hands-on experience with core Ethereum concepts.

We’ll walk through setting up your development environment, integrating with the Ethereum network via QuickNode, and building essential wallet features — all while maintaining security and usability.

Understanding the Core Components

Before diving into code, it's important to grasp the foundational technologies involved in this project.

What Is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike traditional systems controlled by central authorities, Ethereum operates on a global network of nodes, ensuring transparency, immutability, and trustless interactions.

With Ethereum, anyone can create an account (wallet), send transactions, interact with dApps, or even launch their own digital assets — all without relying on intermediaries.

👉 Get started with secure blockchain development tools today.

What Is JavaScript?

JavaScript is one of the most widely used programming languages for web development. Originally designed for client-side interactivity, it now powers full-stack applications thanks to environments like Node.js.

Key characteristics of JavaScript include:

Client- and server-side execution (via Node.js)
Dynamic typing and flexible syntax
Asynchronous programming support (crucial for blockchain calls)
Rich ecosystem of libraries such as web3.js, which we’ll use to interact with Ethereum

This tutorial leverages JavaScript’s versatility to create a lightweight Ethereum wallet interface.

Prerequisites

To follow along, ensure you have:

Basic understanding of Ethereum and blockchain concepts
Familiarity with JavaScript syntax and Node.js
Node.js installed on your machine (download from nodejs.org)

⚠️ Note: All external links and promotional content have been removed per guidelines.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project Structure

Start by creating a dedicated folder for your wallet project.

Open your terminal (Git Bash or command line) and run:

mkdir custom-ethereum-wallet
cd custom-ethereum-wallet
code .

This creates a new directory and opens it in Visual Studio Code.

Next, initialize a Node.js project:

npm init -y

Now install the required dependencies:

npm install ethereumjs-wallet web3

These packages provide:

ethereumjs-wallet: For generating Ethereum key pairs and signing transactions
web3.js: To communicate with the Ethereum blockchain via RPC

Step 2: Implement Wallet Functionality

Create a file named wallet.js and add the following code:

const Wallet = require('ethereumjs-wallet');
const Web3 = require('web3');

// Replace 'YOUR_QUICKNODE_HTTP_URL' with your actual QuickNode endpoint
const web3 = new Web3('YOUR_QUICKNODE_HTTP_URL');

// Generate a new Ethereum wallet
function generateWallet() {
  const wallet = Wallet.generate();
  return {
    address: wallet.getAddressString(),
    privateKey: wallet.getPrivateKeyString(),
  };
}

// Check balance of any Ethereum address
async function checkBalance(address) {
  try {
    const balanceWei = await web3.eth.getBalance(address);
    return web3.utils.fromWei(balanceWei, 'ether');
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error fetching balance:', error);
    return 'Error';
  }
}

// Sign a transaction securely
async function signTransaction(privateKey, transactionData) {
  try {
    const wallet = Wallet.fromPrivateKey(Buffer.from(privateKey, 'hex'));
    const signedTx = await wallet.signTransaction(transactionData);
    return signedTx;
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Transaction signing failed:', error);
    return null;
  }
}

module.exports = { generateWallet, checkBalance, signTransaction };

How to Get Your QuickNode RPC URL

Sign in to your QuickNode dashboard
Create a new Ethereum endpoint (choose mainnet or testnet)
Copy the HTTP Provider URL
Replace YOUR_QUICKNODE_HTTP_URL in the code above

QuickNode provides fast, reliable access to the Ethereum blockchain — essential for real-time wallet operations.

👉 Access high-performance blockchain APIs for your next project.

Step 3: Build a Simple User Interface

To make your wallet user-friendly, create two files: index.html and app.js.

index.html

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8" />
  <title>Custom Ethereum Wallet</title>
  <style>
    body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 40px; }
    button { margin: 10px 0; padding: 10px; width: 200px; }
    div { margin-top: 20px; word-break: break-all; }
  </style>
</head>
<body>
  <h1>Custom Ethereum Wallet</h1>
  <button id="generateWallet">Generate Wallet</button>
  <div id="walletInfo"></div>

  <button id="checkBalance">Check Balance</button>
  <div id="balanceInfo"></div>

  <button id="signTransaction">Sign Transaction</button>
  <div id="transactionInfo"></div>

  <script src="./app.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

app.js

const { generateWallet, checkBalance, signTransaction } = require('./wallet');

const generateWalletButton = document.getElementById('generateWallet');
const walletInfoDiv = document.getElementById('walletInfo');
const checkBalanceButton = document.getElementById('checkBalance');
const balanceInfoDiv = document.getElementById('balanceInfo');
const signTransactionButton = document.getElementById('signTransaction');
const transactionInfoDiv = document.getElementById('transactionInfo');

generateWalletButton.addEventListener('click', () => {
  const wallet = generateWallet();
  walletInfoDiv.innerHTML = `
    <p><strong>Address:</strong> ${wallet.address}</p>
    <p><strong>Private Key:</strong> ${wallet.privateKey}</p>
    <small>⚠️ Keep this private key secure! Never share it.</small>
  `;
});

checkBalanceButton.addEventListener('click', async () => {
  const address = prompt('Enter an Ethereum address:');
  if (address) {
    const balance = await checkBalance(address);
    balanceInfoDiv.textContent = `Balance: ${balance} ETH`;
  }
});

signTransactionButton.addEventListener('click', async () => {
  const privateKey = prompt('Enter your private key (do not use real funds):');
  if (privateKey) {
    const transactionData = {
      to: '0xRecipientAddress',
      value: '1000000000000000', // 0.001 ETH in wei
      gas: '21000',
      gasPrice: '20000000000', // 20 Gwei
    };
    const signedTx = await signTransaction(privateKey, transactionData);
    if (signedTx) {
      transactionInfoDiv.textContent = `Signed TX: ${signedTx.rawTransaction}`;
    } else {
      transactionInfoDiv.textContent = 'Failed to sign transaction.';
    }
  }
});

Step 4: Test Your Wallet

Serve your files using a local server:
```
npx http-server
```
Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:8080
Click Generate Wallet to create a new address
Use Check Balance with any known testnet address
Try Sign Transaction using a test private key (always use testnet)

🔐 Security Tip: Never expose private keys in production environments or public repositories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use this wallet with real funds?
A: While technically possible, this is a basic implementation meant for learning. For real-world use, consider established wallets like MetaMask or hardware wallets.

Q: Why use QuickNode instead of public RPCs?
A: QuickNode offers faster response times, higher rate limits, and better reliability compared to public endpoints — crucial for production-grade dApps.

Q: Is storing private keys in the browser safe?
A: No. This example is educational. In practice, private keys should never be handled client-side without proper encryption or secure key management systems.

Q: Can I deploy this wallet online?
A: You can host the frontend, but ensure backend logic (like signing) runs in secure environments. Avoid exposing secrets.

Q: What are the core keywords for this guide?
A: Ethereum wallet creation, QuickNode RPC, web3.js integration, JavaScript blockchain development, Ethereum address generation.

Final Thoughts

You’ve now built a functional Ethereum wallet using JavaScript, web3.js, and QuickNode RPC. This foundation can be expanded into more advanced tools — multi-chain support, token management, or integration with dApps.

Blockchain development is evolving rapidly, and mastering these basics puts you ahead in the Web3 revolution.

👉 Explore cutting-edge blockchain solutions and developer resources.