XRP News Today: Ripple CTO Shares Unpolished Early XRP Code

Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, recently shared an unprecedented glimpse into the early development days of XRP. The revelation came in the form of a raw commit tree, showcasing the chaotic and unpolished nature of Ripple’s foundational code. This rare artifact was shared during a casual Twitter exchange, where Schwartz was prompted to change his long-standing header image. Instead of dismissing the suggestion, he engaged with the community, offering four new banner options, one of which was the commit tree.

The commit tree, a chaotic and multi-colored diagram, sparked immediate interest and curiosity within the XRP community. When asked about the image, Schwartz confirmed its authenticity, stating that it was deliberately chosen to appear as disorganized as possible. He explained that the frequent and rapid code pushes, even when the code didn’t compile, were a result of the close coordination between him and co-founder Arthur Britto. This method allowed them to discuss their progress in real-time, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritized speed and communication over polished code.

The logs from this early phase of development reveal usernames like JoelKatz (Schwartz), Britto, and MJK, highlighting the small team behind the project. Schwartz noted that the particular stretch of commits in the image was especially chaotic because both he and Britto were modifying nearby components simultaneously, a situation they typically avoided. This insight offers a rare look into the real engineering process behind Ripple’s protocol, contrasting with the usual news surrounding the company’s legal battles and partnerships.

For supporters of XRP, this snapshot serves as a reminder of the project’s humble beginnings. It was built quickly, with minimal structure, by a small team determined to create something innovative. The community’s reaction to this rare glimpse underscores the enduring interest in the origins and development of XRP, providing a raw and authentic look into its early days.