Providers

In web3 development ecosystems, a "Provider" is typically a JavaScript object that exposes an API allowing clients to interact with a blockchain node or wallet.

When connected to a wallet, Providers can be used to retrieve the wallet's accounts as well as request signatures for transactions or messages with permission from the user. Popular libraries like Web3.js, Wagmi, Ethers.js, and @solana/web3.js consume these Providers for most of their functionality. You can also use the Provider directly in your own application to interact with the user's wallet.

Providers have different APIs depending on the blockchain they're built to interact with. You can find more information about specific providers for Ethereum and Solana.