Sora Project and Sora Network: What Should Developers Know?

Quick Recommendation: How to Connect to SORA

If you are building on SORA, the fastest path is to use a managed RPC service that keeps your application resilient without the overhead of running your own node. OnFinality offers public and dedicated endpoints for SORA, and you can check the supported networks page for the latest availability. For production workloads, a dedicated node gives you dedicated throughput and avoids noisy-neighbor issues. Start with the public endpoint for prototyping, then evaluate a dedicated node when your traffic grows.

What Is the Sora Project?

Sora is a decentralized finance (DeFi) project that aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain. It is built on Substrate, the framework that powers Polkadot and many other chains. The project's vision is to create a regulated, compliant financial ecosystem where fiat and crypto can interact seamlessly. The SORA network is the underlying blockchain that supports the Sora ecosystem, including the XOR token, which is used for governance, fees, and staking.

Unlike many DeFi projects that focus purely on decentralized exchanges or lending, Sora emphasizes a connection to the real world through a regulated framework. This means it often collaborates with financial institutions and aims to meet regulatory standards, which can be a differentiator for developers looking for a more compliant environment.

SORA Network Architecture: Substrate and Polkadot

SORA is a standalone Substrate-based chain, not a parachain on Polkadot, but it uses the same technology stack. This gives developers familiar tools and patterns. Key architectural points:

• Substrate FRAME: SORA uses Substrate's modular framework, allowing custom pallets for its DeFi logic.
• Polkadot compatibility: Although not a parachain, SORA can interoperate with the Polkadot ecosystem through bridges.
• Consensus: SORA uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism, specifically a variant called PoA (Proof of Authority) in its early stages, but it has evolved.

For developers, this means you can use Substrate-based tools like polkadot.js to interact with SORA. The RPC interface is JSON-RPC, similar to other Substrate chains.

SORA RPC Endpoints: Public and Dedicated Options

To interact with SORA, you need an RPC endpoint. OnFinality provides public endpoints for development and testing, and dedicated nodes for production. The public endpoint is a good starting point, but it may have rate limits and is not suitable for high-traffic applications. Dedicated nodes offer predictable performance and are ideal for production.

Here is a comparison of options:

For the latest public endpoint URL, refer to the SORA network page. OnFinality's dedicated node service can be explored on the dedicated node page.

How to Connect to SORA with RPC

Connecting to SORA is straightforward if you are familiar with Substrate-based chains. You can use polkadot.js or any JSON-RPC client. Here is an example using curl to get the chain name:

curl -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"id":1,"jsonrpc":"2.0","method":"system_chain","params":[]}' https://sora.api.onfinality.io/public

Replace the URL with the actual public endpoint from the SORA network page. For JavaScript developers, you can use the polkadot-js/api library:

const { ApiPromise, WsProvider } = require('@polkadot/api');

const wsProvider = new WsProvider('wss://sora.api.onfinality.io/public/ws');
const api = await ApiPromise.create({ provider: wsProvider });

console.log(api.genesisHash.toHex());

Again, use the correct WebSocket endpoint from the network page.

Using SORA for DeFi Development

SORA's DeFi features include a built-in AMM (Automated Market Maker) called Polkaswap, which is a key component. Developers can build on top of Polkaswap to create custom trading strategies or integrate with other DeFi protocols. The XOR token is central to the ecosystem, and you can interact with it using standard Substrate methods.

When developing on SORA, consider the following:

• Token standards: SORA uses Substrate's native token standard, not ERC-20. This means you need to use Substrate-specific APIs.
• Bridging: SORA supports bridges to other chains, which can be useful for cross-chain applications.
• Governance: XOR holders can participate in on-chain governance, which affects protocol upgrades.

Troubleshooting Common SORA RPC Issues

When working with SORA RPC, you might encounter common issues:

• Connection timeouts: If you are using a public endpoint, it might be overloaded. Consider upgrading to a dedicated node.
• Method not found: Ensure you are using the correct JSON-RPC methods. SORA supports Substrate standard methods, but some custom pallets may have unique methods.
• WebSocket disconnects: For real-time updates, use WebSocket. If you experience disconnects, check your network stability and consider a dedicated WebSocket endpoint.

If you need help, OnFinality's support can assist. For more troubleshooting tips, see our RPC troubleshooting guide.

Key Takeaways

• SORA is a Substrate-based DeFi network focused on regulated finance.
• Use OnFinality for reliable RPC access, with options from public to dedicated nodes.
• Connect using standard Substrate tools like polkadot.js.
• For production, consider a dedicated node to ensure performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SORA a Polkadot parachain?

No, SORA is a standalone Substrate chain, but it can interoperate with the Polkadot ecosystem.

What is the XOR token used for?

XOR is used for governance, transaction fees, and staking within the SORA network.

Can I use Ethereum tools with SORA?

No, SORA is not EVM-compatible. You need to use Substrate-based tools.

How do I get a dedicated SORA RPC endpoint?

You can request a dedicated node through OnFinality's dedicated node service.

What are the rate limits for public SORA RPC?

Public endpoints have rate limits to ensure fair usage. For higher limits, consider a paid plan. See RPC pricing for details.