Through its recent publication on the 11 fundamental principles for a blockchain, Cardano establishes a framework that not only seeks to improve its own network, but also serve as a guide for the industry as a whole.
Cardano has emerged as one of the most prominent projects in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, not only for its innovative technology but also for its commitment to a first-principles approach in building a robust and secure blockchain.
This approach, which relies on breaking down complex problems into their most elemental components, allows Cardano to address the challenges inherent in creating and maintaining decentralized systems.
The importance of basic principles in blockchain
Blockchain system design is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of user needs and ecosystem dynamics. A first-principles approach allows developers and the community to evaluate proposals for improvements based on well-defined rationales.
Not only does this facilitate more informed decision-making, but it also helps align user expectations with the network’s capabilities. As such, Cardano has established 11 core principles that act as a set of rights and expectations that users and developers can expect from the platform. With this, the network seeks to promote transparency and fairness, while fostering an environment for innovation to thrive without compromising security and efficiency.
What are the core principles of Cardano?
Below are the 11 principles guiding Cardano’s development, each designed to address key aspects of user interaction with the blockchain network:
- Censorship-free transactions:Users should be able to make transactions without fear of being slowed down or censored. This principle is similar to freedom of speech, where each transaction represents the user's intention.
- Predictable costsTransaction fees should be reasonable and predictable, allowing users to plan their long-term usage without surprises.
- Open development:Anyone should be able to develop and deploy applications on the platform without restrictions, promoting an inclusive environment for all developers.
- Fair recognition of contributions:All contributions to the Cardano ecosystem must be properly recognized and valued, ensuring that users and developers are rewarded for their participation.
- User consent: User data and assets should not be processed without their consent, ensuring the portability of information and user control over their own data.
- Preservation of value and data: Information integrity and preserving asset value must be priorities, protecting users from external threats.
- Efficiency in the use of resources: The platform must operate efficiently, minimizing resource expenditure and optimizing performance.
- Equal participation: All users should have the opportunity to participate in the governance of the system, ensuring that the evolution of the platform reflects the collective will of the community.
- User privacy: Users' privacy must be protected, allowing their actions and data to remain confidential.
- Legal compliance: Users must have tools that allow them to interact with the platform without violating local laws, respecting global regulatory diversity.
- Transparency and verifiability: System operations must be transparent and verifiable, allowing users to understand and validate the processes that affect their assets.
All these principles, listed in the publication "The 11 blockchain tenets: towards a blockchain bill of rights" from Input Out Global, set a standard for how Cardano works and serve as a model for other blockchain platforms looking to build more secure and efficient networks.
The community, a fundamental pillar for blockchain
The post shared on the IOG blog highlights that the implementation of these principles is not only the responsibility of the network development team, but requires the active participation of the community. In this context, Cardano has fostered an environment where users can contribute to the discussion and refinement of these principles through workshops, forums, and other avenues. With this collaborative approach, The aim is to strengthen the network and also empower users., giving them a voice in the evolution of the system.
The community plays a crucial role in interpreting and adapting these principles as new challenges and opportunities arise. Through open discussions and participation in governance, users can help shape Cardano’s future direction, ensuring the system evolves in a way that reflects their values and needs.
