Developer Tools
Tools that make building, testing, and maintaining LNbits easier - from no-code extension scaffolding to local Lightning networks and API diffing.
Extension Builder
Build complete extensions through a step-by-step wizard inside LNbits - no manual coding required. The Extension Builder generates database models, CRUD operations, API endpoints, Vue.js admin pages, and optional Lightning payment logic from a form.
Great for prototyping new ideas or creating simple extensions without touching code.
Extension Builder documentation →
Polar - Local Lightning test network
Polar lets you spin up a full local Lightning Network on your machine with LND, CLN, and Eclair nodes. Connect LNbits to a Polar node to test payments, channels, and routing without risking real sats.
Why use it:
- Test multi-hop payments and channel liquidity scenarios
- Develop extensions against real Lightning behavior (not FakeWallet)
- Simulate failure cases like insufficient balance or expired invoices
- Safe sandbox - nothing touches mainnet
Quick start:
- Download Polar and create a network
- Start an LND or CLN node
- Point LNbits at the node:
LNBITS_BACKEND_WALLET_CLASS=LndRestWallet
LND_REST_ENDPOINT=https://127.0.0.1:8081
LND_REST_MACAROON=<macaroon from Polar>
LND_REST_CERT=<tls cert from Polar>TIP
Polar shows you the macaroon and cert paths directly in the node info panel. Copy them from there.
TableTown - API comparison tool
TableTown lets you diff the API of two LNbits instances side by side. Compare your production instance against a dev branch, or compare two versions to spot endpoint changes before updating.
Why use it:
- Catch breaking API changes before upgrading
- Compare dev vs prod endpoints, parameters, and response schemas
- Verify your extension's API matches the upstream version
- Review what changed between LNbits releases
How to use it:
- Open TableTown
- Enter the URLs of two LNbits instances (or OpenAPI spec URLs)
- View the diff - added, removed, and changed endpoints are highlighted
Built by Arbadacarbayk - a standout community contribution that makes pre-release reviews fast and reliable.
MCP Server - AI assistant integration
The LNbits MCP Server lets AI assistants like Claude control a LNbits instance directly. 30+ tools for wallet management, payments, invoices, and extension operations. Useful for testing workflows through natural language, automating tasks, or building AI-powered Lightning applications.
Related Pages
- Extension Builder - no-code extension creation wizard
- FakeWallet - simulated Lightning backend for quick testing
- Building Extensions - full extension development guide
- Contributing - dev setup, commands, and PR process
- MCP Server - connect AI assistants to LNbits