Key facts:
The new function, called Hooks, allows to operate the basic functions of a smart contract.
Hooks anticipates XRP project with Flare Networks to execute ETH smart contracts.
A new function that enables the execution of smart contracts is introduced on the Ripple blockchain (XRP Ledger or XRPL). It is about “Hooks”, a code that since November 18 is available to developers and operators of nodes on the platform.
In an information posted on Twitter by Wietse Wind, Head of Development at XRP Labs, it is explained that the new feature is launched after having tried the alpha version last October. The manager adds that with this new functionality the deployment of new use cases for the Ripple blockchain is expected, in addition to attracting more users.
In his message, the developer share the new code alongside a series of different commands for Docker, an application to be used to run the smart contract software packages on the XRP ledger. It also provides a Github link with all necessary instructions for implementation.
Among some of the instructions, it is indicated that in order to execute smart contracts on the Ripple blockchain, developers must follow two basic steps: operate a node to view the logs, and another to implement the commands.
Wind ensures that soon they will make more updates and adjustments to Hooks, starting from the current release, which is initially a collection of basic functions for the execution of smart contracts.
Smart contracts in Turing not complete
Hooks is a new code that enables the execution of smart contracts on the Ripple blockchain. Source: xresch / pixabay.com
Hooks consists of a series of small band assembly modules, designed specifically for the XRPL, which run on the Ripple ledger at layer 1 (on chain). “This means that they have the ability to control, with atomicity and purpose, the logical flow and execution of transactions in the accounts to which they are configured,” according to the developer.
Wind adds that these modules can be written in any language (compilable in WebAssembly binary code format). This makes it possible to implement most of the business logic and smart contract concepts in a hook.
The hooks are deliberately written in Turing language not complete. “While often touted as the holy grail of smart contracts, Turing-Completeness is actually inappropriate for smart contracts,” says the developer, alluding to the language used to encode smart contracts in Ethereum. .
The stopping problem describes the mathematical impossibility of predicting whether an arbitrary program will stop or run forever on a full Turing system. Obviously, this is not desirable as we must be able to determine in advance when the execution of a smart contract will be completed.
Wietse Wind, Head of Development at XRP Labs.
Generally speaking, the release of Hooks becomes the first proprietary functionality that allows to execute smart contracts in the Ripple ecosystem. It is one of the most anticipated implementations by the community that revolves around this project, according to what some digital media limit.
In that sense, Ripple has been collaborating with the team of the new Flare Networks platform for about a year to allow the execution of Ethereum smart contracts on XRPL. As published in CryptoNews, the plan is being carried out through Xpring, Ripple’s investment wing and technology incubator.
Within the framework of this idea, Ripple made a strategic investment in Flare Networks in 2019, which already published its white paper last August. It explains in detail how XRPL will be added to the Flare ecosystem. This network will integrate the Ethereum Virtual Machine, allowing public and private networks to use and execute smart contracts.
The project is currently underway at the launch of its native cryptocurrency (Spark), for next December 12. The new token will be distributed among the holders of the XRP cryptocurrency who participate in the allocation.