Ripple’s Vision: Native Smart Contracts on XRPL Mainnet and Launching the XRPL EVM Sidechain

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As a seasoned analyst with years of experience under my belt, I find Ripple’s recent announcements incredibly intriguing. The potential for native smart contracts and the XRPL EVM Sidechain to revolutionize the XRP Ledger ecosystem is nothing short of exhilarating.

In a recent blog post, Ripple shared its strategy to boost the functionality of the XRP Ledger system, particularly by integrating native smart contracts and creating an XRPL EVM Sidechain. These improvements are intended to expand the platform’s usefulness for both developers and users, providing increased flexibility and new chances for creativity and innovation.

Ripple’s approach involves two key advancements. Initially, they are investigating the possibility of integrating self-executing contract functionalities natively on the XRP Ledger’s Mainnet. The aim is to enable easy deployment without modifications, allowing for customization of native features while preserving network performance and cost-effectiveness. Although this project is in its initial phases, Ripple, along with the XRP Ledger development community, intends to make sure these new capabilities meet the ecosystem’s requirements. Once the research phase is over, a proposal will be presented for public scrutiny.

The second development, expected to roll out sooner, is the XRPL EVM Sidechain. Developed in collaboration with Peersyst, this sidechain is set to bring Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility to the XRP ecosystem. This integration will enable developers to use familiar tools and languages, making it easier for those already versed in Ethereum development to transition to the XRP Ledger. The XRPL EVM Sidechain is designed to work seamlessly with Axelar, facilitating transactions between the sidechain, the XRP Ledger, and over 55 other blockchains. Wrapped XRP (eXRP) will be the native asset and gas token, ensuring efficient cross-chain transactions. The development of this sidechain is projected to accelerate in early 2025, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution.

The XRP Ledger is already equipped with several programmable features, such as Escrows, NFTs, authorized trust lines, payment channels, and decentralized exchange with an automated market maker. These existing features provide a foundation of composable primitives for various use cases, highlighting the platform’s current capabilities while setting the stage for future enhancements.

As an analyst, I’ve observed that while the amendment process in the XRP Ledger ensures thoughtful updates, it might hinder swift innovation for specific use cases. The pursuit of native smart contracts is aimed at overcoming this obstacle, promising more adaptability for developers to craft tailored solutions. However, these endeavors may encounter hurdles, such as doubts about when and how feasible native smart contracts will be implemented on the Mainnet, and the acceptance of the XRPL EVM Sidechain among developers. Furthermore, it’s crucial to keep a close watch on potential effects on the XRP Ledger’s performance, security, and competition with existing smart contract platforms.

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2024-09-03 20:35