Trezor Suite® – Getting Started™ Developer Portal

1 — Overview: Why the Developer Portal?

Purpose

The Trezor Suite® Developer Portal provides tools, API references, tutorials, and best-practice patterns to integrate hardware wallet capabilities into apps and services. This presentation gives you a practical, step-by-step path from initial setup to secure integration and deployment.

Audience

Developers building desktop, mobile and web applications that require secure key management, transaction signing, or hardware-backed cryptography. Prior familiarity with JavaScript or a backend language is helpful but not required.

What you'll learn

• How to install and configure Trezor Suite for development
• How to use the core APIs and SDKs
• Code examples, signing flows, and security best practices

2 — Getting Started: Setup & Installation

Hardware & Software Requirements

You'll need a Trezor device (Model One or Model T), a modern OS (Windows/macOS/Linux) or a Chromium-based browser for web development. Install Trezor Suite desktop or use the web suite for easier testing. Ensure you use the latest firmware on the device for compatibility and security.

Install steps

1. Download and install Trezor Suite from the official Trezor website.
2. Connect your device via USB and complete the onboarding steps (seed generation or recovery).
3. Enable developer mode and allow browser access if you plan to use the WebUSB bridge for development.

Developer tip

Use a dedicated test device and a testnet account when possible. Never expose production seeds or PINs during development sessions.

3 — Developer Portal Anatomy: Docs, SDKs, & Tools

Key components

• Docs: API references, flows, and tutorials.
• JS SDK: High-level library for connecting to Suite and devices.
• Bridge & Connectors: WebUSB, WebHID, and custom RPC connectors.
• Simulators: Virtual devices for automated tests.

How to navigate the portal

Start with "Quick Start", then follow language-specific guides—JavaScript, Python, or Go. Use code samples and the interactive API explorer for rapid prototyping.

Security & Compliance

All interactions are designed to avoid exposing private keys. Signing operations are performed on-device. Developer portal emphasizes least privilege and user-consent UX patterns.

4 — Core API Concepts

Authentication vs Signing

Authentication is about identifying users; signing is about approving cryptographic operations. Trezor's APIs focus on deterministic key derivation, address generation, transaction creation, and on-device signing.

Typical API calls

• `getPublicKey` — derive and fetch public key for a BIP32 path
• `createTransaction` — construct a transaction object
• `signTransaction` — prompt user to authorize a signature on-device
• `getAddress` — request an address for display/verification

Flow diagram (conceptual)

App → Build Transaction → Trezor SDK → Send to Device → User Approves → Device Signs → App Broadcasts

5 — Example: JavaScript Quick Integration

Minimal web example (pseudo-code)

// connect to the Trezor device
const transport = await TrezorConnect.getTransport();
const pk = await TrezorConnect.getPublicKey({ path: "m/44'/0'/0'/0/0" });
console.log("xpub:", pk);

Signing flow

1. App builds unsigned tx. 2. Call `TrezorConnect.signTransaction`. 3. The device displays tx details. 4. User confirms. 5. App receives signature and broadcasts to network.

Practical note

Always show the user a readable, human-friendly summary of what they're signing (recipient, amount, fee) before invoking the device.

6 — Example: Backend Patterns & Offline Signing

Split roles

Keep the backend responsible for networking, fee estimation, and broadcasting. Keep signing strictly on devices (or HSMs). Use PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction) for multi-step flows.

Server responsibilities

• Create PSBT and return it to the client
• Verify signatures before broadcasting
• Log events and monitor for anomalies

Offline signing workflow

Use air-gapped devices or QR-based PSBT flows for maximum security when needed.

7 — UX & Security Best Practices

Design for consent

Design your UI to clearly communicate what a user is approving on their Trezor device. Use consistent wording, display fiat equivalents, and avoid truncating critical details like destination addresses.

Security checklist

• Never log private keys, seeds, or raw signatures in plaintext
• Display transaction details both in-app and on-device
• Rate-limit signing attempts and require user re-authentication on sensitive flows

Testing & audits

Run unit tests for cryptographic flows, fuzz transaction parsing, and consider third-party security audits for high-value integrations.

8 — Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Device isn't detected

Check WebUSB/WebHID permissions, try a different cable, ensure firmware is updated, and use the official Trezor Bridge when needed.

Sign fails with "user rejected"

Inform the user how to verify details and try again. Provide clear recovery steps if a device becomes unresponsive.

Network errors

Backends should retry broadcasts and surface human-friendly errors. When possible, store non-sensitive telemetry to aid debugging.

9 — Advanced Topics & Extensions

Multisig & Enterprise

Use PSBT and multisig policies for shared custody. Trezor supports multisig workflows when paired with coordinated signing software.

Mobile & Native

For mobile apps, leverage native connectors or companion apps for secure transport. Use deep linking and QR for offline or air-gapped flows.

Chain & Coin support

Check the portal for supported coin lists and derivation paths. Use coin-specific modules for transaction serialization and parsing.

10 — Resources, Links & Next Steps