Smart contracts – here we come
Alonzo will build on Cardano’s token upgrades to give developers the tools for crafting business applications
8 April 2021 6 mins read
At the start of March, we implemented Mary ‒ a multi-asset protocol upgrade that allows users to create unique tokens for transactions on Cardano. With the introduction of transaction metadata, then token-locking with Allegra in December, and native token creation, we are laying the foundation to establish Cardano as the leading smart contract platform.
Alonzo, our next…
Boosting network decentralization with P2P
Peer-to-peer communication between stake pools will make Cardano more dynamic and more efficient as the network grows
6 April 2021 7 mins read
The decentralization of Cardano puts responsibility for running the blockchain in the hands of stake pools. An essential element in this is reliable and effective connections between all the distributed nodes, and ensuring that the network is resilient to failure.
With the simpler Byron version of the blockchain, federated (OBFT) nodes controlled by the Cardano Foundation…
Introducing the new Plutus Playground
Developers are invited to test out our improved smart contract tools before full release
25 January 2021 4 mins read
Goguen is Cardano’s development theme that focuses on utility, smart contract support, and native token issuance. While delivering it as a system of interactive components, we are gradually adding all the building blocks to add smart contracts to the Cardano platform.
Goguen brings native token support along with Plutus and Marlowe to help develop the smart contracts that are essential to establishing a global, decentralized financial system. To lay the groundwork, we have introduced transaction metadata, upgraded the ledger to support token locking (which is essential for complex smart contracts), and will soon deploy native token…
Smash: introducing a new way of managing stake pool metadata
Our metadata framework supports delegators and the community by bringing verified information to the Cardano network
17 November 2020 5 mins read
Stake pool operations lie at the heart of Cardano decentralization, enabling servers to reach a consensus agreement across the network. Our groundbreaking Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus protocol allows pool operators to reach agreement on the validity of transactions and sign a block, which is then immutably recorded on the Cardano blockchain.
On the Shelley path to…
Blockchain governance - from philosophy and vision to real-world application
Robust and effective community governance lies at the very heart of Cardano's decentralized vision, and Project Catalyst will test the theory this summer.
5 August 2020 8 mins read
Taking a decentralized approach to governance and decision-making is proving to be more efficient in many spheres than the centralized, authority-based model that became the norm in so many areas in the last century. At IOHK, we believe that blockchain technology offers a way to encourage participation in collective action. And we are building just such a system, so Cardano can…