What is the XRPL?
Intro to the XRP Ledger (XRPL)
The XRP Ledger (XRPL) launched in 2012 as an alternative to Bitcoin, offering higher efficiency with less energy required. Over thirteen years later, XRPL remains one of the most reliable layer 1 blockchains with over a decade of stability in tokenizing and exchanging crypto-native and real-world assets.
XRP was deployed in 2012 as the native token on XRPL. A cryptocurrency purpose-built for payments and designed to support businesses and builders, XRP powers the XRPL. It is also one of the largest distributed tokens in the world, across the largest variety of holders out of any other token.
Trusted by over 1,000 visionary builders and businesses worldwide, the XRP Ledger offers institutional-grade functionality and built-in features to enable secure, efficient, and scalable financial services and use cases.
How XRPL is different from other blockchains
XRPL uses a different algorithm from other blockchains. More commonly used are Proof-of-Work (PoW), used by Bitcoin, and Proof-of-Stake (PoS), used by Ethereum.
Unlike these, the XRPL actually uses Proof-of-Association (PoA). This means that consensus is reached through agreement across a diverse group of validators. Validators are run by developers, universities, and businesses, developing trust as they grow and monitor the performance of XRPL. As validators grow, they gain trust. There are over 120 validators active on XRPL.
Unlike many other chains, XRPL requires no mining and uses negligible energy, key to long-term growth and stability.
The new XRPL EVM Sidechain
The newly launched XRPL EVM Sidechain enables EVM-compatible development for the XRPL ecosystem, opening the door to the entire XRPL ecosystem from the rest of crypto.
The algorithms and technology are different for each blockchain, which makes it difficult to connect them. This was especially true for XRPL, until now.
Users can bridge and buy XRP on the XRPL EVM from 80+ chains, and enter the XRPL ecosystem. The same is true for the other way around. And just as easily, XRPL developers can add support for EVM tokens and chains.
Squid is powering the cross-chain connection across XRPL, the XRPL EVM Sidechain, and 80+ chains. Interested in exploring XRPL? Visit our app today: app.squidrouter.com/xrpl
Overall
XRPL more than just a blockchain – it's a global developer community dedicated to transforming future business solutions. Learn more and build your business with confidence at XRPL.org.