Ripple’s Massive Vision: Bringing Smart Contracts to XRPL in 2024

Ripple’s recent announcement to introduce smart contract functionality to the XRP Ledger (XRPL) has sparked conversations across the community. The plan, spearheaded by Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz, reveals a strategic approach aimed at enhancing XRPL’s utility while navigating concerns raised by stakeholders.

The firm outlined a two-pronged strategy to bring smart contracts to XRPL. The first involves an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Sidechain, developed in collaboration with Peersyst. This approach aims to integrate EVM compatibility, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum-based smart contracts on XRPL. The second strategy revolves around an XLS proposal to directly enable smart contracts on the XRPL Mainnet. The firm stressed that community support would be essential for this initiative to move forward.

However, conspicuously absent from the announcement was any mention of Hooks, a protocol developed by XRPL Labs to introduce native smart contracts on the Mainnet. Hooks has seen successful implementation on Xahau, a new chain, raising questions within the community about its omission. Wietse Wind, a key figure in XRPL Labs, expressed disappointment over the exclusion, prompting a response from Ripple’s CTO.

Ripple CTO Addresses Concerns

David Schwartz took to social media to clarify Ripple’s intentions. He emphasized that the firm does not unilaterally control XRPL. The announcement, he explained, was an early step in exploring the feasibility of adding programmability to the Mainnet without compromising its core attributes.

Schwartz acknowledged the community’s role in shaping XRPL’s future, noting that Ripple is committed to transparency and collaboration. He pointed out that recent discussions with community members, including those at Orchestra Finance, have illuminated potential paths forward that address concerns such as ledger bloat, transaction speed, and security.

Despite Schwartz’s reassurances, some community members voiced concerns about the implications for decentralization. MetaManX, a prominent community figure, questioned whether the addition of smart contracts could proceed independently of Ripple’s approval—a critical point if XRPL is to remain truly decentralized.

As the debate unfolds, Ripple’s cautious approach underscores its intent to innovate within the bounds of community consensus, ensuring that XRPL evolves without compromising its foundational principles. The upcoming XRP community gatherings in Korea and Japan will likely provide further clarity as discussions continue.