Discover Rifampicin (RIF), a Solana-based token merging decentralized science with longevity research on Pump.science. Explore live experiments, gamified funding and predictions.

Rifampicin (RIF) is the gamified compound token for the Rifampicin experiment, representing longevity research conducted with the compound Rifampicin. As part of the 

 (DeSci) movement spearheaded by Molecule and 

, RIF is connected to the Pump.science platform, which leverages blockchain’s decentralized nature to democratize access to research and innovation.

This guide explores what Pump.science is, the RIF token (including its launch and trading) and the way Pump.science seeks to address critical challenges within longevity research.

 highlights three core challenges in developing life-extending interventions.

Traditional research, such as that conducted through human and mouse trials, is often slow and expensive. With more potential drug molecules than atoms in the universe, high-throughput methods are essential. Pump.science leverages blockchain and gamification to balance speed, cost and quality, accelerating discoveries while maintaining data integrity.

 is a blockchain-based research protocol that democratizes the process of conducting and funding scientific experiments, with a focus on longevity research. By breaking down barriers to scientific innovation, Pump.science fosters a more inclusive and creative environment for discoveries.

The platform allows users to propose longevity-focused drug regimens, test them on experimental platforms such as 

 (with plans to expand to other models) and retain ownership of the resulting intellectual property (IP). Results are transparently shared for community review and collaboration.

Think of it as a virtual arena for scientific experimentation, in which regimens compete to extend lifespans. The Colosseum is now a petri dish, the gladiators are microscopic organisms and their weapons are cutting-edge longevity strategies.

How Pump.science Aims to Solve the Longevity Trilemma

Pump.science uses tools such as WormBot to gamify research, creating a Percentage Life Extension (PLE) score as a benchmark for success. Here’s how the basic process works:

This approach reduces research costs, democratizes participation and introduces a transparent, collaborative system for scientific advancement.

Pump.science is a blockchain-based platform that decentralizes and funds longevity research through gamified experimentation. Its process includes the following steps:

This milestone-driven approach combines accessible funding with transparent experimentation, enabling a collaborative and efficient path to discovering effective longevity compounds.

Pump.science integrates decentralized funding with structured, milestone-based experimentation, ensuring each stage is financially feasible and tied to measurable thresholds, as follows:

These thresholds are informed by extensive analysis of historical trading data on platforms like 

, ensuring alignment between funding goals and realistic market behavior.

Efficient and Transparent Research Funding

This structured funding model reduces reliance on centralized gatekeepers, enabling community-driven innovation and collaboration.

 (RIF) is a token on the Solana blockchain that represents ownership in longevity experiments using the compound Rifampicin. Traditionally an antibiotic, Rifampicin is gaining attention for its potential anti-aging properties. Studies of 

 (worms) suggest Rifampicin enhances cellular defenses against stress and damage, extending lifespan by maintaining protein quality and reducing oxidative stress.

On Pump.science, investors can fund and monitor real-time experiments by using RIF tokens.

The RIF token represents intellectual property and experimental rights for Rifampicin on Pump.science. Participants can trade the token and view data from studies that assess its impact on longevity. Its tokenomics ensure efficient funding, as well as transparency and scalability for advancing scientific discovery.

As trading scales, RIF tokens empower participants to fund and benefit from transformative scientific breakthroughs.

 (FDV) of $42 million, reflecting its total supply of 1 billion tokens. Its price performance indicates its potential, as follows:

Pump.science’s clear and ambitious road map for 2025 indicates that the platform is set to expand its impact on decentralized longevity research.

By integrating RIF tokens and leveraging blockchain for funding and data sharing, Pump.science is transforming longevity research into a collaborative and gamified frontier.

Rifampicin (RIF) is now available to trade as a Bybit Perpetual contract. Trade 

Intermediate

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Rifampicin (RIF): Gamified Decentralized Science

Fuel (FUEL) redefines Ethereum Layer 2 with modular design, parallelized transactions, and developer-friendly tools, enabling scalable, low-cost DApps.

 blockchain solutions have mushroomed over the past few years. As a result, developers have a solution for building efficient, low-cost and scalable 

 (DApps), a phenomenon mainly driven by Ethereum's network congestion, poor scalability and high transaction costs. However, many of these Layer 2 networks continue to suffer from performance issues, albeit not to the extent of 

 network. Some blockchain technicians have attributed such performance limitations to the monolithic nature of these platforms.

Fuel is a Layer 2 solution for the Ethereum blockchain that aims to address these problems by adopting a highly modular design and technical innovations such as parallelized transaction processing. Having started as an 

, one of the first of its kind within the world of Ethereum, Fuel has evolved into a modular, high-performance execution layer designed to help developers build scalable DApps. While offering an efficient, high-performance execution layer, Fuel utilizes Ethereum's own data availability (DA) and 

First introduced in 2020, the Fuel project entered a new era at the tail end of 2024 with the launch of its native token, FUEL, and a sharper focus on providing high-performance execution layer infrastructure.

 (FUEL) is a Layer 2-focused blockchain infrastructure project offering a high-performance modular execution layer while utilizing Ethereum’s Layer 1 DA and consensus layers

.Fuel was initially launched in December 2020 as one of the earliest optimistic rollups for Ethereum. Over the next several years, the project’s team refocused their efforts on delivering a modular, scalable Layer 2 solution with its own execution layer, externalizing the DA and consensus layers.

The result of this new approach is the current Fuel network, sometimes referred to as Fuel V2, which acts as what the project has called an operating system for Ethereum rollups. In essence, Fuel V2 offers developers a convenient and flexible way to launch rollup networks and DApps that leverage Fuel's modular architecture principles — an internal and highly scalable execution layer interacting with Ethereum's DA and consensus layers.

Rollups developed using the Fuel framework will feature significant mutual interoperability, in addition to the core benefits of scalability, low costs and Ethereum-supported security. The project’s team launched the first of these Fuel-powered rollups, Fuel Ignition, in October 2024.

As of early 2025, Fuel is actively building an infrastructural ecosystem to support Fuel Ignition and other Fuel-based rollup networks. For instance, users can already take advantage of the platform's native 

, Fuel Wallet, which lets them interact with DApps based on Fuel-powered rollup networks.

Fuel is also actively working on decentralizing its network to enhance security and performance. While a typical rollup solution uses a single sequencer node, a key network actor responsible for both block-building and proposing blocks to the underlying Layer 1, Fuel separates the roles of the builder and the proposer between distinct nodes. Fuel has already completed Phase 0 of its sequencer decentralization initiative, and operates 12 proposers and a single builder. Phase 1 will introduce multiple builders, along with around 100 proposers. The final stage of decentralization, Phase 2, is envisioned to feature as many as 10,000 sequencer proposers.

Fuel aims to be developer-friendly, and offers blockchain developers a toolbox called 

 to facilitate easy scripting and deployment of 

The project's developer is Fuel Labs, a Vancouver (Canada)–based blockchain development company founded by John Adler and Nick Dodson in 2019.

Fuel-based rollups boast performance and security benefits, thanks to several technological innovations, particularly a modular design, a highly secure 

 address model and parallelized transaction processing.

Fuel's technical advantages are based on architectural modularity. Most other rollups use Ethereum Layer 1 only for consensus, internalizing their execution and DA layers. Sidechains, another popular Layer 2 network type besides rollups, often keep all three blockchain layers under the hood. Such monolithic designs may limit scalability or security — or both.

In contrast, Fuel internally handles only the execution layer, allowing the overall platform to remain highly flexible and adaptable. Some other modular rollups adopt the same approach, but they often outsource their DA layers to partnering DA providers, many of which are small projects with less established security profiles. Fuel, on the other hand, utilizes Ethereum Layer 1 directly for both DA and consensus. Since Ethereum is one of the industry's most secure and decentralized platforms, Fuel's overall modular setup enjoys high levels of security.

Another key security advantage of Fuel stems from its UTXO transaction model. While Ethereum and many Ethereum-linked Layer 2 chains employ an account-based model, Fuel utilizes a UTXO setup in which each network address contains unspent amounts from earlier transactions, and each transfer represents an exchange of these unspent funds. First implemented by 

’s blockchain, UTXO is regarded as more secure than Ethereum's account-based model, particularly with regard to protections from 

Fuel's UTXO model also features another critical performance advantage — namely, support for parallel transaction processing. At runtime, Fuel's processing engine determines which transactions don't overlap, in terms of the addresses and UTXO amounts involved. Non-overlapping transactions are then processed in parallel, delivering significant scalability and throughput advantages.

FuelVM is the platform's processing engine. Fuel's virtual machine (VM) is a register-based system designed to optimize performance and parallelized transaction execution. Register-based VMs are one of the two most popular types of VMs, along with stack-based systems like 

 (EVM). Within a stack-based VM, data is stored in and retrieved from a temporary memory stack during transaction processing. In such systems, data pieces are stored and accessed in a last-in, first-out (LIFO) fashion, creating performance bottlenecks, such as a need for frequent instructions or a lack of direct access.

In contrast, a register-based system such as FuelVM processes data pieces held in registers — separate labeled storage areas. Such a design delivers performance benefits in the form of fewer instructions, enabling a more straightforward implementation of parallelized processing.

Sway is a programming language for writing Fuel-based 

. It's a domain-specific language, adapted to the needs of blockchain developers. Sway is based on Rust, a popular general-purpose programming language that emphasizes performance and concurrent processing. Since Fuel heavily leverages parallelized processing in order to achieve its scalability and throughput benefits, the Rust-based Sway is an optimal language for the Fuel platform's smart contracts.

While Sway has inherited many of Rust's properties, Fuel Labs has specifically adapted it for blockchain-based smart contract development. As such, blockchain development with Sway is typically easier and more efficient than using Rust.

Fuel Ignition is the first rollup network to leverage FuelVM. We noted earlier that Fuel is essentially a high-performance execution layer that developers can leverage to launch custom rollups. Theoretically, many different Ethereum-linked rollup chains can utilize Fuel and become part of the platform's ecosystem. Fuel Ignition represents the first step in this direction.

Fuel Ignition features one-second block times and gas fees that are small fractions of a cent. According to the project's public communications, transaction fees on Fuel Ignition can be lower than $0.0002. The Fuel Ignition Layer 2 chain utilizes Ethereum's DA layer. It optimizes the cost and efficiency of data processing on the underlying Layer 1 through the implementation of 

, an experimental Ethereum feature that uses bundles of data called "blobs," instead of standard transactions.

Fuel Ignition boasts a throughput of over 600 

 (TPS) on the Ethereum DA layer. It also features a high TPS per CPU core, with a throughput of 21,000 TPS per CPU. With parallelized processing and high TPS per core, Fuel Ignition is ideally suited for mass adoption on consumer hardware.

Another distinct feature of Ignition is its nearly universal support for Ethereum and 

 (SOL) native wallets. As of early January 2024, the blockchain already has over 60 live DApps operating on it in areas ranging from 

FuelProver is the platform's hybrid proof-generation solution that combines the features of optimistic fraud proofs and 

. Rollups pass these proofs along with blocks of transactions to the underlying Layer 1 chain to help validate transaction data. Optimistic rollups generally offer lower computational overheads, while ZK-rollups feature greater security. FuelProver is envisioned to combine the benefits of the two rollup types, helping developers integrate Fuel's execution layer into both varieties.

Fuel's native cryptocurrency, FUEL, is an 

 token issued on the Ethereum blockchain in December 2024. One of the token's key functions is to support the project's decentralized sequencer network, which is based on the 

 (PoS) validation method. The network utilizes FUEL to secure its operations via staking and stake delegation. Sequencers are rewarded in FUEL for their transaction processing activity. Other platform users can delegate FUEL to preferred sequencers to earn a share of the rewards.

Developers pay in FUEL to utilize the platform's resources, such as access to DA. Gas fees on the sequencer network are also paid in FUEL tokens.

The FUEL token is also used for Application Specific Sequencing, whereby users can bond their FUEL to a specific DApp and earn staking rewards from that application.

FUEL has a total supply of 10 billion, with an annual supply inflation of 3%. The image below details the token’s distribution:

The Fuel project has announced a genesis airdrop campaign, during which 10% of the FUEL supply (1 billion tokens) will be distributed to more than 200,000 eligible addresses. Recipients include various groups of early adopters, including testnet users, holders of NFTs on Fuel Ignition, those bridging funds to the blockchain, active gas users and open-source code contributors. The airdrop is active between Dec 19, 2024 and Jan 19, 2025.

The FUEL token can be purchased as Spot pair (

) on Bybit. As of Jan 7, 2024, FUEL is trading at $0.067, which is 19.8% lower than its ATH of $0.08375 on Dec 29, 2024 and 78.5% higher than its ATL of $0.03762 on Dec 20, 2024.

Until Jan 14, 2025, 8AM UTC, you have the chance to 

 by embarking on Bybit’s Puzzle Hunt! To earn FUEL rewards, start by registering for the Puzzle Hunt event. Then, collect puzzle pieces either by completing simple daily tasks or receiving the pieces from your friends. If you complete three consecutive puzzle pieces, you can earn achance at a lucky draw to unlock even more FUEL rewards. Additionally, be among the first 600 participants to complete the entire puzzle, and you can claim 5,000 FUEL!

Fuel’s network offers developers a unique environment in which to spin off Ethereum rollups. The developer toolchain — featuring Fuel Orchestrator, the Sway programming language and the parallel processing–capable FuelVM — offers outstanding tools that, along with the platform's high throughput capacity and modular design, make the job of launching high-performance rollups that much easier. As Fuel progresses in 2025, the project’s team is determined to keep its focus on serving the developer community, and strives to promote collaboration, innovation, education, creativity and efficiency in all matters related to blockchain rollup development.

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Fuel (FUEL): The Modular Ethereum Layer 2 for Developers

Solana's new proposal introduces a lattice-based hashing system to address the "state growth problem," allowing the blockchain to scale to billions of user accounts. 

Daily Top Performer —  Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)

The S&P 500 rose 0.55% on Monday, driven by gains in tech and semiconductor stocks, with Nvidia and Micron leading the way. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was up by 2.17%, with Bitcoin and Ether rising by 4.08% and 0.61%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is PENGU, which surged 3.5% following the Pudgy Penguins assets surge ahead of the Abstract Network launch.

Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), launched in 2021, is a popular NFT collection with a market cap of over $1.19 billion as of December 2024. The brand has expanded into physical toys, generating $10 million in sales through partnerships with major retailers. Ahead of the launch of the Abstract Ethereum layer-2 network, Pudgy Penguins assets are increasing in value. The PENGU token has seen significant growth, while Pudgy Penguin NFTs are approaching a higher floor price. The rise is linked to growing PENGU holders and speculation of another airdrop. Companion collections Lil Pudgys and Pudgy Rods have also gained in value. Details about Abstract’s launch are still scarce, but anticipation is building.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of Perp 

 introduces a lattice-based hashing system to address the "state growth problem," allowing the blockchain to scale to billions of user accounts. This system enables instant verification of accounts without recalculating the entire state, reducing computational overhead while maintaining security. Early tests have shown promising results, and the upgrade will be implemented through Solana’s formal improvement process, with gradual activation through validator voting.

Yesterday, the total flow for BTC Spot ETFs was $769.5 million, with $73.8 million in GBTC and $695.7 million in non-GBTC.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

. To earn tokens, complete simple tasks like joining Discord or following on X. Tokens can be redeemed at TGE. To participate, connect your Solana wallet, complete tasks, and claim daily rewards. Additionally, the SLM Store charges 1 $ASRR token per query. Start now to maximize your rewards!

Beginner

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Solana's New Hashing Proposal Aims to Scale Blockchain to Billions of Accounts

Alchemist AI is a no-code development platform that transforms natural language into functional applications. Learn more about how it works in this article.

Complex coding requirements continue to block millions of web3 users from creating software applications. Alchemist AI offers a unique solution that combines AI and 

, enabling anyone to create applications through simple natural language while earning rewards in its marketplace ecosystem.

This article explores Alchemist AI’s workings, from its AI-powered application generation to its token-based monetization system. We'll examine its unique features, analyze its market potential and evaluate its position as both a development platform and investment opportunity.

 is a no-code development platform that transforms natural language into functional applications. Built on Solana, it combines AI-powered development with a blockchain marketplace, allowing users to build and monetize applications without technical expertise.

The Alchemist AI website tells a mythical origin story set in the ancient realm of Alberon. According to the tale, within the mist-shrouded valleys lies the Arcane Forge, an ancient school where masters of "Linguistic Alchemy" discovered how to transform words into digital reality.

This storytelling reflects the platform's core mission of making software creation as natural as speaking your ideas. By combining AI language models with blockchain technology, the anonymous team has built a system with which anyone can transform simple descriptions into working applications.

Alchemist AI's primary goal is to eliminate technical barriers to web application creation by transforming natural language into functional code. Removing the requirement for programming expertise enables anyone with an idea to create applications without learning complex programming languages.

Beyond accessibility, Alchemist AI seeks to shorten the development process from months to minutes. Through AI-powered code generation and automated testing, creators can rapidly prototype and iterate their applications to significantly reduce the time to market for new ideas.

Alchemist AI also aims to democratize application monetization through its marketplace ecosystem. Creators can sell their applications directly to users, earning ALCH tokens for their contributions while building a community in which anyone can turn their ideas into profitable solutions.

Alchemist AI uses a four-step process that helps transform simple text descriptions into functional applications.

Users can fine-tune this process using the Generation Settings slider, which controls the following parameters:

 enables integration with premium services and custom APIs, expanding the possibilities for application functionality.

Alchemist AI offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features to streamline the entire application development life cycle.

 is Alchemist AI's core development space, where users create fully functional applications using natural language. Instead of writing code, creators describe what they want to build — whether it's a game, productivity tool, or business application.

Using the AI Laboratory is straightforward:

The Laboratory adapts to your creative vision through its Generation Settings slider, while the integrated Wizard Chat Bot provides real-time assistance for refinements and improvements.

 is a decentralized store where the Alchemist AI community can share and monetize their creations. All transactions within the marketplace are powered by the platform's native ALCH token, which enables direct 

 transactions, a community tipping system and advanced creator monetization opportunities.

Creators can easily list their applications by navigating to the 

 tab, uploading their completed app, setting a price in ALCH tokens and providing descriptive information. Buyers can browse categories like 

 to find applications that match their particular needs.

 is Alchemist AI's control center for customizing application generation. Through its intuitive interface, users can fine-tune the way the AI creates applications by adjusting parameters and setting default configurations.

The system offers preconfigured profiles for different needs:

Users can enhance their workflow by setting default prompts, such as 

, ensuring consistent styling and features across all generated applications. These parameters can be adjusted at any time, giving creators complete control over their applications’ generation and refinement.

, the Alchemist AI team outlined their vision for 2025, with a focus on pushing beyond current capabilities for building basic applications. While the platform excels at creating programs from user prompts, it aims to tackle more sophisticated software development. The road map focuses on evolving Alchemist AI’s system to handle complex applications, while maintaining the platform's core principle of minimal technical requirements. 

Key to this evolution is the introduction of Pro Mode, a feature designed for users with the technical knowledge to create more intricate applications. This strategic direction positions Alchemist AI to compete with established Web 2.0 platforms, such as Bolt, while maintaining its accessibility advantage. Unlike platforms that require coding expertise, Alchemist AI promises to deliver advanced functionality through simple natural language inputs.

ALCH, the native token of Alchemist AI, powers its entire ecosystem. The token plays several crucial roles within the platform:

The ALCH token bridges the gap between creators and users, facilitating a sustainable economy within the Alchemist AI ecosystem. By powering all marketplace transactions, ALCH ensures seamless value transfer between community members while simultaneously incentivizing the creation of quality content.

While cryptocurrency price predictions are inherently speculative, various analysts have offered forecasts for ALCH. CoinCodex 

 between $0.07 and $0.29 in 2025, with an average price of $0.17. CoinDataFlow 

 between $0.13 and $0.34 in 2025, while its longer-term outlook for 2026–2031 suggests a range of $0.10 to $0.47.

These projections suggest moderate growth potential for ALCH, which aligns with increasing demand for AI-powered development solutions. Ultimately, the token's value will be determined by Alchemist AI's success in attracting users to its platform, as well as broader market trends and the wider adoption of no-code development tools.

Looking to trade ALCH tokens? Bybit now offers the ALCH/USDT Spot trading pair. To get started, you’ll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

To celebrate this listing, Bybit is holding 

 for you to earn a share of a 1,500,000 ALCH prize pool through 

While Alchemist AI (ALCH) showcases innovative technology in the no-code development space, investors need to carefully consider both its strengths and risk factors before making investment decisions.

With its strong technical infrastructure and innovative approach to democratizing software development, Alchemist AI (ALCH) shows promising potential. However, potential investors will want to 

 and consider their own risk tolerance before investing.

Alchemist AI reimagines software development through its intuitive, language-based approach. Now, anyone can transform ideas into functional applications, setting the stage for a future in which software creation is truly accessible to all.

Its vision for 2025 extends this promise, evolving toward sophisticated application development while keeping creation as simple as a conversation. Executing this vision will be key to both Alchemist AI’s and the ALCH token's long-term success.

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Alchemist AI (ALCH): Forging Ahead in Innovation With AI Alchemy

DeFi

What exactly are Ricardian contracts, and what's so special about them? Find out more. What exactly are Ricardian contracts, and what's so special about them? Find out more.

The_“BowTie”_representation_of_the_Ricardian_model.png

One of the most promising potential use cases of blockchain technology is the development of “live” contracts that are securely stored inside digital infrastructure and are legally valid and completely tamperproof, thanks to cryptographic identification. Ricardian contracts are bringing that idea to life and have become the latest blockchain sensation to pique the interest of crypto enthusiasts.

If you have even a passing interest in cryptocurrencies, then you’ve probably heard of smart contracts — executable code that’s stored on a blockchain and automatically runs when preset conditions are met. Ricardian contracts are similar at a base level, except that they’re legally binding.

The concept of Ricardian contracts originates from the 1990s, but it has never been implemented on a large scale before. In this guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about Ricardian contracts, including the technology’s history, how it differs from smart contracts, and some examples of potential use cases. 

A Ricardian contract is a digital contract that functions as a legally binding agreement between two parties based on agreed-upon terms and conditions. The contract is cryptographically signed and verified using the blockchain, but is readable by both people and machines. 

The “BowTie” representation of the Ricardian model. Source:

These days, almost all documents are stored in a digital format, typically Word documents. However, with so many Word documents being emailed back and forth, it can be tough for all the parties involved to know which is the most up-to-date, authentic version of the contract.

Ricardian contracts solve this problem by taking the legalese used by lawyers and incorporating it with a digital signature. The final step, which is the “magic” of the process, is to secure it using cryptography. The algorithm produces a unique key or hash that is exclusively tied to the document. That hash always refers to that one document, and only that document can reveal that hash.

Whenever the parties involved do anything relating to the contract, they can simply include the hash — not the document, not the name, not an extract — just the hash. Since the contract is easily readable by both machines and people, computers can simply look up the hash to confirm the details, while people can read the contract as a plain old-fashioned text document — allowing all involved parties to easily access and process the laid-out information. 

As an example, let’s say the terms of a U.S. Treasury bond are written out using a Ricardian contract. The contract basically turns the bond into its own database with metadata that includes the name of the bond, the issuer, the owner, its denomination, etc. The database contains all of the details of the original agreement, but in digital form with machine-readable tags. The contract is then digitally signed with private keys and hashed so that it can be easily identified. Anyone or any system that wants to access the details of the bond simply has to search for the hash value.

The concept of Ricardian contracts was pioneered in the ’90s by financial cryptographer Ian Grigg, who 

 described a Ricardian contract as “simply a text document with all the normal words that the lawyers like to use with all the terms and conditions; it’s a way of communicating a legal document across to a program such that both the program and the human are happy to understand what’s going on.” 

Technology in the ’90s wasn’t robust enough to properly implement Grigg’s theories. However, those limitations are now being removed thanks to blockchain technology. There are now a growing number of projects that support Ricardian contracts, including Block.one, the originator of 

Grigg briefly partnered with Block.one and brought his expertise to the 

, which is a self-governing and performance-based blockchain that provides developers and businesses with the tools to build large-scale, consumer-facing decentralized applications. The system includes support for both Ricardian contracts and smart contracts.

Ricardian contracts haven’t been implemented on such a large scale before, but it makes sense that the concept would find a home on the blockchain. Blockchain technology not only satisfies the technical requirements, but it also provides the perfect testing ground for legally valid live contracts.

What’s the Difference Between Ricardian Contracts and Smart Contracts?

Smart contracts have received a lot of hype in recent years, but one thing is often overlooked: they can’t, in their current form, replace actual legally binding contracts involving two parties. Ricardian contracts, or at least a hybrid of smart and Ricardian contracts, may hold the key to that problem. Here’s what sets a smart contract apart from a Ricardian one.

The concept of smart contracts was first proposed in the early ’90s by computer scientist Nick Szabo. In simplest terms, 

 are digital agreements that automate the actions of blockchain-based applications when predetermined conditions are met. They form the basis of 

 (DApps), which are built on blockchains like Ethereum and are vital for 

Smart contracts execute automatically by following simple “if … then” statements which are coded on the blockchain. The network of computers that make up a blockchain executes the actions outlined in the contract when the preset conditions are met and verified. Examples of such actions could be anything from sending notifications and releasing funds to issuing a ticket and registering a vehicle. These actions are immutable, and can’t be altered or undone by anyone. 

Programming languages are used to codify smart contracts, and although they’re easy enough for developers to write, the contents of the contract can’t be read by laypeople who don’t understand programming languages. Businesses can’t rely on smart contracts in their current form, because numerous business processes are subject to compliance requirements that involve auditing by humans. 

It also doesn’t help that the actions of smart contract code are immutable on the blockchain, which isn’t exactly a desirable feature for companies that must react to evolving circumstances in the real world. Contractual agreements between businesses or businesses and clients often change, and smart contracts don’t offer the flexibility to adapt to any changes. 

Unlike smart contracts, Ricardian contracts not only record the actions of a contract but also its intentions, even before its execution. The contract uses a hash to quickly and efficiently refer to a particular document. Here are some benefits of Ricardian contracts: 

That’s not to say that Ricardian contracts will replace smart contracts, though. The two will likely mix in the future in some hybrid form of legally binding digital agreements to be executed automatically once the terms are fulfilled by the involved parties. The two technologies, when combined, have the potential to become the future of blockchain-based legal agreements. 

While Ricardian contracts are still a new concept, the potential use cases for the technology are limitless. They can be used to forge a wide array of agreements. Below are three use cases for Ricardian contracts: 

 was among the first crypto projects to implement Ricardian contracts in 2019 by introducing what it called “richly rendered Ricardian contracts” in its tool kit for developers.

EOS pairs features of Ricardian contracts and smart contracts to make the actions and intent of a contract easily understandable to users. This ensures a smart contract’s code is completely transparent, which is an important feature — because blockchain actions are often final. 

Before the implementation of Ricardian contracts, it was difficult for an average smart contract user to understand what actions they were agreeing to. Users had to depend on app developers to explain what a smart contract does on the front end, without any auditable association with the actions that take place on the blockchain. 

EOS has announced two new features that implement Ricardian contracts and redefine how data is presented to users before they agree to sign transactions: 

As an illustrative analogy, think of the Ricardian Contract Specification as a programming language, and the Template Toolkit as a browser that renders documents written in that language. Together, these two features will enable DApp developers to create smart contracts with clear explanations of the agreements their users are consenting to. 

Ricardian contracts could considerably broaden the range of possible blockchain applications, especially when combined with smart contracts. They can clearly define the intentions of two parties, legally bind them, and execute actions based on the agreed terms. 

Even though the concept of Ricardian contracts is now decades old, the actual use of the technology is still fairly new. If widely adopted, it could have a significant impact on many blockchain processes, particularly in trade and finance. 

How Are Ricardian Contracts Different From Smart Contracts?

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