XRP News Today: Ripple Eyes Modular XRP Ledger Overhaul to Boost Scalability and Interoperability

Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz has outlined potential architectural improvements for the XRP Ledger, emphasizing the need for a more modular and modernized structure. During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session hosted by XRPL Commons and shared by crypto commentator Crypto Eri, Schwartz highlighted inefficiencies in the current monolithic design of the ledger, where the consensus engine, transaction engine, and client queries operate as a single, tightly integrated system. This design has made it challenging to implement upgrades or achieve interoperability with other systems [1].

Schwartz proposed a shift toward a modular architecture, which could involve running parts of the transaction engine within a virtual machine. Such an approach would separate core logic from overlay and database components, allowing them to evolve independently [1]. This change could simplify maintenance and improve the system’s scalability, potentially enhancing XRP’s utility in global financial applications.

A key part of the proposed overhaul includes re-implementing parts of the ledger using the programming language Rust. While the current system is not built in Rust, discussions about such a transition are ongoing. Schwartz noted that the complexity of untangling existing components—particularly the payment engine—poses a significant challenge. Some of the engine's behaviors depend on undocumented operational sequences, which complicate the re-implementation process. To address this, he suggested rewriting these components with clearer, more predictable logic and introducing formal definitions to guide future development [1].

Ripple is currently evaluating external proposals for the project, with Aanchal Malhotra, a board member and research lead at RippleX, overseeing part of the initiative. The company is considering the feasibility and prioritization of modular upgrades, which could bolster institutional confidence in XRP and potentially increase its adoption [1].

The potential modernization of the XRP Ledger aligns with broader efforts to refine blockchain infrastructure and improve performance for institutional use. By addressing architectural limitations, Ripple aims to strengthen the ledger’s reliability and adaptability, positioning XRP for broader acceptance in the financial ecosystem.

Source: [1] Ripple CTO: What to be Used If XRP Ledger Is Restarted from Scratch (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/688f2630ed604315633ac870/)