The XRP Ledger’s smart contract functionality is now available for developers to test on AlphaNet, opening the door for the first wave of experimentation on how programmability will operate on the Ledger.
As developers begin to explore this new phase, an XRPL validator known as Vet on X has clarified a major misunderstanding about what these smart contracts are designed to be. His explanation points out a clear difference between the Ledger approach and the models used by Ethereum and Solana.
XRPL Contracts Are Different From Ethereum And Solana
Ethereum and Solana are two of the biggest smart contract blockchains, and most applications can be easily traced to these two. However, recent updates indicate that the XRP Ledger now supports native smart contract capabilities on its dedicated test network, called AlphaNet, allowing developers to explore and test contract-deployment features.
As this testing phase begins, an XRPL validator known as Vet on the social media platform X has clarified an important point about the design of these contracts, noting that they differ significantly from the models used by Ethereum and Solana. The explanation matters because many investors assume the new feature is the same as what already exists on other chains, even though the structure is very different.
In his explanation, the contracts are being built specifically around how the Ledger already works, rather than trying to copy another network’s approach or branding. “XRP Smart Contracts are unique and differentiated. Tailored to fit the Ledger,” the validator said.
According to Vet, one of the ideas behind the Ledger smart contracts is access to native features. He said there are building blocks on the XRPL that the contracts are meant to use, not replace.
The goal is for smart contracts to work with what is already on the XRPL chain, rather than pushing those features aside or duplicating them under a different model. The validator noted that this is not a feature given with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Not Trying To Be The Best Smart Contracts Platform
Vet made it clear that the aim of XRP Ledger smart contracts is not to dominate the broader smart contract landscape. He said, “We are not aiming to be the best in smart contracts, we just want enough to elevate what’s available.”
Although the community surrounding the Ledger contracts is not trying to dominate the smart contract space, Ripple as a company continues to pursue much larger ambitions in global finance. The company’s CEO and other stakeholders have always outlined the company’s plan to take over the financial world in cross-border payments.
This vision has been supported by external voices as well, including Sal Gilbertie, the CEO of Teucrium Trading, who recently offered a strong public endorsement of Ripple’s trajectory. According to Gilbertie, the crypto payments company is capable of competing with major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase.
Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com
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