Casper is a layer-1 proof-of-stake blockchain enabling long-term solutions to real-world challenges, built by builders for builders. Through its modular architecture and upgradable smart contracts, Casper allows blockchain-based solutions to stay relevant, a fundamental aspect that makes it a future-proof network.
Casper is a blockchain platform designed to accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology by developers, and many are exploring Casper to build game-changing projects. Casper's distinguishing features make it an ideal platform for building real-world solutions, and its support for WebAssembly (WASM) and open programming standards make it an attractive option for developers looking to leverage blockchain technology. In addition to providing a constantly improving infrastructure, Casper offers incentives, grant programs, technical support, and a thriving community for developers, as part of its commitment to being a blockchain thats powerful and familiar to use. Casper’s focus on supporting developers is a fundamental aspect of the network that is reflected in its core components and actions.
This article will highlight two key initiatives to demonstrate Casper’s commitment to making the network accessible and beneficial to developers: its use of the Rust WebAssembly programming language and the Casper Accelerate Grant Program.
One of the fastest growing modern programming languages, Rust is used by developers from various domains, including web services, games, FinTech, and decentralized applications. The rich suite of tooling Rust has for WASM makes it a critically important programming language for the future of the Web.
Casper supports Rust, a system language that can be compiled to WebAssembly, because it offers several benefits for writing smart contracts. The Rust compiler provides helpful error messages that can catch potential issues before deployment, and the language is generally considered to be less error-prone than some other system languages like C++. Additionally, WebAssembly is a convenient format for executing code on the blockchain. While other languages can also be compiled to WebAssembly, Rust is a mature and widely-used option that we have found to be effective for our purposes.
Rust is widely regarded as one of the best systems languages in the world. With its excellent compiler and faster write-speed, Rust makes it easier for developers to create robust and scalable applications. The language also provides a more secure development environment, reducing the risk of bugs and security vulnerabilities.
As the blockchain industry continues to grow and evolve, it's crucial for developers to choose the right tool for the job. We believe Rust has a crucial role to play in the future of decentralized development and we understand the importance of providing developers with the tools they need to build the best decentralized applications possible.
On top of that, Casper makes Rust even more convenient for developers wishing to build dApps by actively building and adding more features. For example, The Odra.dev project is a smart contract framework for Rust. It focuses on building domain specific language in Rust to be used as smart contract language for Casper.
The Casper Network is built using Rust as its core language, making it a natural fit for Rust developers. This positions Casper as a flexible and scalable infrastructure that can handle a wide range of applications, from simple contract deployment to complex decentralized applications. We encourage builders to build on and with Casper, and to apply for our Casper Accelerate Grant Program.
In November 2022, the Casper Accelerate Grant Program was announced. The multi-year program is financing initiatives developing decentralized applications to support the Casper blockchain infrastructure, end-user applications, and research innovation. The program has received over 175 applications since the announcement was made at the Next Block Expo NBX in Berlin. Projects will get a cumulative $25 million over the course of three years.
Casper’s growing ecosystem consists of a wide array of platforms and projects from DeFi, NFT marketplaces, exchanges, wallets, and more. The Casper Accelerate Grant Program will contribute to the expansion of Casper’s thriving ecosystem by funding and supporting new projects.
Designed exclusively to encourage developers and startups building on Casper public mainnet, a wide variety of projects falls into the scope of the Casper Accelerate Grant Program (“program”).
The program is aimed at supporting infrastructure projects that increase utility and improve barriers of entry for users. These can be developer tools and SDKs that can make it easier to build gaming and DeFi projects on our blockchain.
Additionally, sustainability projects like voluntary carbon markets can also apply for this grant, as sustainability is a key focus for Casper.
Projects wishing to apply for funding can do so by visiting the Accelerate Grant Program page and filling out and submitting the form.
Casper Accelerate Grant Commission reviews the applications based on the positive impact projects will have on the wider Casper community and the Casper ecosystem in general.
The submission quality, the proposal's academic or technical merit, its potential for growth, the team’s level of commitment and experience as well as the track record of the team proposing the projects are taken into account during the selection process.
The Casper Association is the not-for-profit entity that oversees the ongoing evolution and decentralization of the Casper Blockchain. It provides resources to help accelerate the adoption of the Casper proof-of-stake (PoS) layer 1 protocol and its growing ecosystem of decentralized applications.
Casper is designed to make full use of open web programming standards to quickly build blockchain applications that meet the needs of startups and enterprise environments.
Casper Association is a Gold Sponsor of the Rust Nation UK which will be held in London on February 17th, 2023. Dedicated to Rust programming language and its developer community, the event will bring hundreds of Rust enthusiasts together.
We invite all developers, whether you're new to Rust or an experienced user, to join us at Rust Nation and learn more about the capabilities of Rust for building decentralized applications.
Not able to attend? Join our monthly Twitter community call, signup for our newsletter and/or follow us on our social channels. We are frequently answerings questions and providing updates on our network.
