XRPL Today and the Vision for Tomorrow
XRPL | XRP Ledger Overview
How the XRP Ledger works
XRP Ledger Basics
The XRP Ledger is a decentralized public blockchain.
Anyone can connect their computer to the peer-to-peer network that manages the ledger. The global XRP Ledger community—a diverse set of software engineers, server operators, users, and businesses—maintains the ledger.
How the Consensus Protocol works
Consensus
XRPL uses a consensus protocol, in which designated servers called validators come to an agreement on the order and outcome of XRP transactions every 3-5 seconds.
All servers in the network process each transaction according to the same rules, and any transaction that follows the protocol is confirmed right away. All transactions are public, with strong cryptography to guarantee the integrity of the system.
Anyone can operate a validator; currently, over 150 validators are active on the ledger, operated by universities, exchanges, businesses, and individuals. Additionally, the consensus protocol ensures the blockchain becomes more decentralized over time as the validator pool grows.
A Greener Blockchain
Unlike most other blockchains, the XRP Ledger does not need mining, so no energy is wasted in the transaction process. Learn how this compares to other platforms with our Green Currency Calculator.
Learn MoreXRPL provides powerful utility across the blockchain space
XRPL Today
The ledger’s unique properties, such as its fast and efficient consensus algorithm and censorship-resistant transaction processing, are leveraged by thousands of developers.
With the XRPL, these developers are building innovative projects and applications across blockchain use cases including tokenization of assets, online gaming, asset custody, NFTs, and DeFi.
Explore MoreFulfilling the vision of the XRPL community
XRPL Tomorrow
While XRPL is the choice of developers who don’t want to sacrifice security or performance and who want to build on the greenest blockchain, that’s only the beginning.
As a community-led blockchain, XRPL’s vision is also a community effort. The XRPL Foundation is currently collaborating with community members to define a shared vision statement. Stay tuned for more on this effort—we can’t wait to share it with you.
Watch the explainer video series to learn more about the XRP Ledger
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The Consensus Mechanism
Nodes and Validators
Sustainability of the XRP Ledger
Tomorrow’s Blockchain Starts With You
XRP Ledger’s innovation relies on the shared community experience of builders like you. If you’re ready to start your next big blockchain project, explore the XRPL now and consider applying for an XRPL Grant.
XRPL GrantsIs XRPL a private blockchain, owned by Ripple?
No, the XRP Ledger is a decentralized, public blockchain. Any changes that would impact transaction processing or consensus need to be approved by at least 80% of the network. Ripple is a contributor to the network, but its rights are the same as those of other contributors. In terms of validation, there are 150+ validators on the network with 35+ on the Unique Node List (see “What are Unique Node Lists (UNLs)?” in the Full FAQ) — Ripple runs 6 of these nodes.
Isn’t Proof of Work the best validation mechanism?
Proof of Work (PoW) was the first mechanism to solve the double spend problem without requiring a trusted 3rd party. However the XRP Ledger’s consensus mechanism solves the same problem in a far faster, cheaper and more energy efficient way.
How can a blockchain be sustainable?
It’s been widely reported that Bitcoin’s energy consumption, as of 2021, is equivalent to that used by Argentina, with much of the electricity Bitcoin miners use coming from polluting sources. The XRP Ledger confirms transactions through a “consensus” mechanism - which does not waste energy like proof of work does - and leverages carbon offsets to be one of the first truly carbon neutral blockchains. Explore the energy consumption of XRP compared to cash, credit cards and other popular cryptocurrencies with the Green Currency Calculator.