Ripple Unveils Major XRP Ledger Upgrade Introducing Native Programmability and EVM Sidechain
Ripple is introducing a significant enhancement to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) by adding native programmability, marking the most substantial update since the ledger’s launch in 2013. This advancement enables developers to implement custom functionalities without compromising the XRPL’s performance or security, thereby broadening its appeal to both institutional users and developers.
Introduction of Native Programmability
Historically, the XRPL was designed with predefined modules tailored for key financial applications, such as a decentralized exchange (DEX), escrows, and native tokens. While these features have been beneficial for financial institutions, they offered limited flexibility for developers seeking customization. The new native programmability addresses this limitation by allowing developers to augment existing features with custom logic through “Smart Features.” This approach preserves the core functionalities of the XRPL while providing the flexibility to adapt to specific requirements.
Implementation of Smart Escrows
The initial application of this enhanced programmability is “Smart Escrows.” Traditionally, XRPL escrows could only be executed after a predetermined time or with a specific passcode. With Smart Escrows, developers can define more intricate conditions for fund release, operating through pseudo-accounts and utilizing a new ContractCall function. This setup maintains compatibility with existing XRPL operations while offering expanded customization options.
Austin King, co-founder of Omni Network, highlighted the significance of this development, describing it as the most substantial upgrade to the XRP Ledger since its inception in 2013.
Expansion with EVM Sidechain
In addition to native programmability, RippleX is advancing an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain as a key component of Ripple’s strategic plan. This sidechain facilitates Ethereum developers in deploying Solidity-based applications within the XRPL ecosystem. Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, emphasized that this initiative aligns with Ripple’s vision for institutional decentralized finance (DeFi) on the XRPL in 2025. He noted that the roadmap delineates a clear direction, encompassing use cases and features that Ripple aims to support, thereby enhancing the XRPL’s capabilities while preserving its inherent strengths.
Addressing community concerns about the potential impact of the EVM sidechain on XRP, Schwartz clarified that the sidechain operates within the XRP ecosystem, with transaction fees payable in bridged XRP. He described it as an additional ecosystem for XRP, expanding its utility without detracting from its core functions.
These developments underscore Ripple’s commitment to evolving the XRPL to meet the dynamic needs of the blockchain and financial sectors, fostering innovation while maintaining the platform’s foundational principles.
