**Exciting Developments in Ripple’s XRPL: Native Programmability and EVM Sidechain for Developers**
Ripple’s latest upgrade to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) brings a wave of innovation with the introduction of native programmability, empowering developers to tailor features such as token transfers and escrows through Smart Features. Additionally, Ripple’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain will enable Ethereum developers to seamlessly deploy Solidity-based applications while integrating with the XRP ecosystem, utilizing bridged XRP fees. Since its inception in 2013, Ripple has rolled out significant updates to the XRPL, and this latest enhancement focuses on expanding programmability—a capability that has been missing since the network’s launch.
Initially, the XRPL was designed with core financial applications in mind, providing functionalities like decentralized exchanges (DEXs), escrows, and native tokens. While these features attracted financial institutions, developers often encountered challenges when trying to customize or extend the system. The new update introduces “Smart Features,” a framework that allows developers to build upon existing XRPL functionalities. Unlike Ethereum, which was designed with programmability at its core, the XRPL upgrade aims to introduce customization through concise lines of code known as “extensions.” These Smart Features will enable developers to modify fundamental functionalities such as token transfers, automated market makers (AMMs), and escrows to better align with operational and regulatory requirements.
**Introducing Smart Escrows**
The first feature under the Smart Features umbrella is Smart Escrows. Traditional escrows on the XRPL have been limited to basic conditions, like releasing funds after a set time or with a passcode. In contrast, Smart Escrows will provide advanced options. For instance, developers could set conditions that require specific accounts to release funds or allow recipients to access funds only after completing certain actions, such as holding a specific NFT. This enhanced flexibility could pave the way for new applications in sectors like real estate and finance, where tailored fund release conditions are crucial.
The Smart Features framework extends beyond Smart Escrows. It will also encompass other functionalities within the XRP Ledger. For example, Smart AMMs could facilitate customized trading strategies, while Smart Tokens could assist in ensuring regulatory compliance. Furthermore, the upgrade will introduce Smart Contracts, which will operate similarly to Ethereum’s contracts but with a design tailored for the XRPL. These Smart Contracts will function through pseudo-accounts and execute transactions using a new ContractCall function, ensuring compatibility with existing XRPL features while providing developers with greater programmability and flexibility.
**EVM Sidechain: A New Chapter for the XRP Ecosystem**
In addition to the rollout of native programmability, RippleX is actively developing an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain, further enriching the XRP ecosystem. This initiative aims to create a more interconnected environment for developers, fostering innovation and collaboration across platforms.
