A TypeScript SDK for building programmable Bitcoin applications with instant offchain transactions, Lightning support, and atomic stablecoin swaps.
Install & Download
1. ClawHub CLI
The fastest way to install a skill directly from the registry.
npx clawhub@latest install bitcoin-arkade
2. Manual Installation
Copy the skill folder to one of these locations
~/.openclaw/skills/ <project>/skills/ Priority: Workspace > Local > Bundled
3. Prompt Installation
Copy this prompt to OpenClaw to install it automatically.
Help me install bitcoin-arkade using Clawhub. If Clawhub is not installed, install it first (npm i -g clawhub).
Prefer to download?
Get the raw skill files in a ZIP archive.
What is Arkade Bitcoin & Lightning SDK?
Arkade is a programmable Bitcoin execution layer that leverages Virtual Transaction Outputs (VTXOs) to facilitate near-zero fee, instant offchain transactions while maintaining full self-custody. It allows developers to integrate Bitcoin functionality into applications without requiring protocol changes to the base layer, making it a powerful addition to the library of Openclaw Skills for financial automation. The SDK provides high-level abstractions for managing wallets, handling onchain ramps, and executing complex smart contracts via Tapscript.
By utilizing a virtual mempool and batch swaps, Arkade achieves Bitcoin finality through batched onchain settlements. This architecture ensures that users retain unilateral exit rights, meaning they can always withdraw their funds to the Bitcoin mainnet without needing cooperation from the operator. Whether you are building a consumer wallet or a complex DeFi protocol on Bitcoin, this skill provides the necessary tools for modern blockchain development.
Arkade Bitcoin & Lightning SDK Use Cases
- Building non-custodial Bitcoin wallet applications with instant offchain settlement.
- Integrating Lightning Network payments via Boltz submarine and reverse swaps.
- Executing atomic swaps between Bitcoin and stablecoins like USDC or USDT across Polygon, Ethereum, and Arbitrum.
- Developing programmable Bitcoin contracts using Tapscript primitives such as Multisig and absolute/relative timelocks.
- Automating offchain Bitcoin transfers with near-zero fees using Openclaw Skills.
How Arkade Bitcoin & Lightning SDK Works
- Install the @arkade-os/sdk and initialize a wallet identity using a private key or a secure key management solution.
- Connect to an Ark server provider to interact with the virtual mempool and manage the lifecycle of VTXOs.
- Generate an Ark address for instant offchain payments or a boarding address to move onchain BTC into the Arkade ecosystem.
- Execute payments offchain using VTXOs, which provide instant preconfirmation cosigned by the operator.
- Use the Ramps interface to onboard or offboard funds between the offchain layer and the Bitcoin mainnet.
- Extend functionality by incorporating Boltz for Lightning Network interoperability or LendaSwap for stablecoin liquidity.
Arkade Bitcoin & Lightning SDK Setup
Install the core SDK and the skill wrapper:
npm install @arkade-os/sdk @arkade-os/skill
Initialize the wallet in your application:
import { SingleKey, Wallet } from "@arkade-os/sdk";
const identity = SingleKey.fromHex("your-private-key-hex");
const wallet = await Wallet.create({
identity,
arkServerUrl: "https://arkade.computer",
});
For local development, use nigiri to start a regtest node:
nigiri start --ark
Arkade Bitcoin & Lightning SDK Data Schema & Taxonomy
The Arkade SDK organizes data around VTXOs and specialized address formats to manage offchain state:
| Data Object | Description |
|---|---|
| VTXO | Virtual Transaction Outputs representing offchain coins. Statuses include preconfirmed, settled, and recoverable. |
| Ark Address | A bech32m-encoded address (ark1...) containing the server and user public keys for offchain routing. |
| Boarding Address | A standard onchain BTC address used to initiate the onboarding process. |
| Swap Quote | Metadata for BTC-to-stablecoin swaps, including target amounts, chain IDs (Polygon, ETH, Arb), and expiry. |
| Tapscript Tree | A Taptree structure used for defining complex spending conditions in smart contracts. |
Arkade Bitcoin & Lightning SDK Advanced Features
- Support for complex Tapscript primitives including MultisigTapscript, CLTVMultisigTapscript, and CSVMultisigTapscript.
- Unilateral exit rights allowing users to recover funds onchain even if the Ark operator is offline.
- Multi-chain stablecoin swaps supporting USDC and USDT on Polygon, Ethereum, and Arbitrum via LendaSwap.
- Virtual Mempool management for high-throughput, DAG-based offchain execution.
- Seamless Lightning Network integration via the ArkaLightningSkill for submarine and reverse swaps.
- Programmable escrow and HTLC patterns for advanced Bitcoin financial applications using Openclaw Skills.
SKILL.md
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