Vet, cofounder of xrpcafe and an XRPL dUNL validator, recently highlighted Ripple CTO David Schwartz’s views on smart contracts for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) in a post on X. Schwartz emphasized the importance of gradual progress in implementing it on the platform.
Incremental Approach to XRP Smart Contracts
Schwartz’s perspective stressed that smart contract integration doesn’t need to be an “all or nothing” approach. He suggested that introducing “useful, small, and safe” programmability is better than not having any, as it could allow real-world applications while safeguarding the current use cases of XRPL.
The CTO’s caution shows in his statement that the real challenge is moving slowly and building confidence step by step. This gradual approach avoids rushing into smart contracts, focusing instead on incremental integration.
Ripple CTO Hosts Discussion on XRPL Programmability
In a recent Space, Schwartz shared how his views on programmability for XRPL have evolved. Also, he emphasized that Ripple is carefully considering how to introduce smart contract functionality without undermining the existing strengths of the XRP Ledger.
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RippleX senior software engineer Mayukha Vadari recently sought community feedback on desired features for XRPL’s programmability system.
Plans for Smart Contracts on XRPL in 2025
Ripple announced in early September its plans to enhance programmability, including the introduction of smart contracts, by 2025.
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This will be achieved through the XRPL EVM sidechain, which is already under development, and by exploring smart contract capabilities for the XRPL mainnet. Moreover, Schwartz expressed optimism about the EVM sidechain, hoping it becomes a successful and competitive smart contract platform.
He noted that the risk to XRPL is lower with the sidechain, but he also sees potential for implementing smart contracts directly on XRPL.
