Open-Source database synchronization SDK

[GENERAL] Name and Surname of Main Applicant

Catalyst Rider

[GENERAL] Email address of Main Applicant

catalyst@wingriders.com

Additional Applicants

N/A

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

8

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” in this field.

N/A

[GENERAL] Will your project outputs be fully Open Source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.” in this field.

Project will be fully open source

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Dev Tools, API or Library

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposed solution addresses the challenges associated with Cardano database synchronization by offering a stable, resource-efficient, and developer-friendly alternative. We have extensively evaluated alternative solutions in the market (cardano-db-sync, Carp, Blockfrost, kupo) and identified key limitations in them:

• Some solutions focus primarily on lightweight UTxO management and lack comprehensive transaction information.
• Others lack extensibility, preventing developers from implementing custom queries on top of the database.
• Certain solutions are difficult and uncomfortable to use, resulting in a poor developer experience.
• Instability due to memory leaks often requires frequent restarts, impacting the overall reliability.

I

n contrast, our solution will be self-hosted, open-source, and utilizes PostgreSQL as the database backend. To ensure comprehensive synchronization, we will leverage Ogmios, an indexer for transaction information. Ogmios enables us to obtain protocol parameters and staking information through state queries, resulting in a rich dataset for developers to work with.

In addition, our solution seamlessly integrates with CAB (Cardano Application Backend) as a reliable, efficient, and customizable data source. This integration adds value by providing developers with a comprehensive set of tools and functionalities to build upon.

To further enhance the developer experience, we are developing an easy-to-use TypeScript SDK that simplifies querying and accessing the synchronized data. This SDK will provide a user-friendly interface and streamline the development process.

To initiate the synchronization process, our solution will connect to a running Cardano node and continually update the database with the latest blockchain data. This ensures that developers have access to up-to-date and accurate information for their applications.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

By developing an open-source SDK for database synchronization, the project offers a valuable resource for developers working on Cardano applications. This SDK will streamline the process of synchronizing blockchain data, enhancing efficiency and reducing the resource requirements for developers. The open-source nature of the project promotes collaboration and community involvement, leading to continuous improvements and innovations. The investment in this project ensures that developers have access to a reliable and robust toolset, enabling them to build high-quality applications with ease. Ultimately, the project contributes to the growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem by providing developers with the necessary tools for seamless database synchronization, fostering innovation and adoption.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

1. Adoption and Usage: We will track the number of developers and projects that adopt our solution to indicate the level of interest and utilization.
2. Stability and Performance: We will monitor the stability and performance of our solution compared to the existing solutions. Metrics such as uptime, resource usage, and responsiveness will be assessed to ensure that our solution delivers improved performance.
3. Community Engagement and Feedback: We will actively seek feedback from the community, including developers, users, and other stakeholders. Their input will help us understand their experience with our solution, identify areas for improvement, and address any issues or concerns they may have. This feedback-driven approach will ensure that our solution meets the needs and expectations of the Cardano community.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

1. Documentation and Guides: We will create detailed documentation and guides that explain the functionality, usage, and implementation of our solution. These resources will be made available on our website and other relevant platforms, providing developers and users with the necessary information to understand and utilize it effectively.
2. Community Outreach: We will actively engage with the Cardano community through various channels, such as forums, social media, and developer meetups. We will share updates, announcements, and insights about our project, encouraging community participation and gathering valuable feedback. This two-way communication will foster transparency, collaboration, and a sense of ownership among community members.
3. Open-Source Repository: We will host our project's codebase on a public open-source repository, such as GitHub. This will allow developers and researchers to access, review, and contribute to the ongoing development of our solution. By maintaining a transparent and collaborative environment, we aim to encourage community involvement and drive innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

As experienced developers within the Cardano ecosystem, we possess the technical expertise and a proven track record in delivering successful projects. Our deep understanding of the Cardano blockchain, protocols, and smart contract development enables us to design and implement reliable and secure solutions. We have demonstrated our capability to deliver high-quality projects that meet the needs of the community, ensuring trust and accountability throughout the process.

1. Community Engagement: We actively engage with the Cardano community, fostering strong relationships and understanding their needs and requirements. This close collaboration ensures that our solutions align with the community's expectations. We listen to community feedback, identify areas for improvement, and address any issues or concerns they may have. This collaborative approach strengthens trust and accountability within the ecosystem.
2. Openness and Transparency: We believe in open-source principles and value transparency in our work. Throughout the project, we will provide regular updates, share progress reports, and actively engage with the community to foster trust and accountability. By being open and transparent, we ensure that our development process and decision-making are accessible and understandable to the community.
3. Effective Project Management: Our team follows established project management methodologies to ensure efficient execution, timely delivery, and effective resource allocation. We have a clear understanding of project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication, enabling us to deliver projects on time and within budget. This disciplined approach to project management ensures trust and accountability in our project delivery.
4. Financial Accountability: We maintain strict financial controls and implement sound financial management practices. This ensures proper allocation and responsible utilization of funds, guaranteeing financial accountability throughout the project. We adhere to budgetary guidelines, monitor expenses, and provide transparent reporting to stakeholders, ensuring that funds are used responsibly and efficiently.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals of our project are to develop an open-source database synchronization solution that addresses the limitations of existing solutions, such as instability, resource heaviness, and a subpar developer experience. We aim to provide a more stable, efficient, and user-friendly alternative for syncing and accessing Cardano blockchain data.

We are confident in the feasibility of our approach due to the following factors:

1. Experienced the Issues: Our team has extensive experience working with existing solutions. We have encountered firsthand the challenges and limitations associated with them. This experience has given us valuable insights into the areas where improvements are needed and has motivated us to develop a more reliable and efficient solution.
2. Expertise and Knowledge: Our team consists of experienced developers with a deep understanding of Cardano's architecture and data structures. We have the technical expertise to design and implement a robust solution that overcomes the limitations of existing options.
3. Open-Source Collaboration: By making our solution open-source, we will attract collaborators and contributors from the Cardano community. Their expertise and insights will enhance the feasibility of our approach. We believe that the collective knowledge and efforts of the community will contribute to the refinement and improvement of our solution.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Solution Design and Architecture

• Success/ Acceptance Criteria:
• Completion of the architecture design, including component specifications and data schema
• Estimated Time: 4 weeks
• Projected Cost: ₳49,000

Milestone 2: Development of Core Functionality

• Success/ Acceptance Criteria:
• Implementation of blockchain data synchronization and transaction indexing
• Integration with Ogmios and CAB for data retrieval
• Functional querying capabilities for accessing various transaction information
• Estimated Time: 10 weeks
• Projected Cost: ₳289,000

Milestone 3: Testing and Quality Assurance

• Success/ Acceptance Criteria:
• Execution of comprehensive testing scenarios, including integration, functional, and stress testing
• Identification and resolution of any bugs or issues
• Validation of accurate and reliable data synchronization
• Documentation of the testing process and results
• Estimated Time: 6 weeks
• Projected Cost: ₳190,000

Milestone 4: Documentation

• Success/ Acceptance Criteria:
• Creation of comprehensive installation, configuration, and usage documentation
• Estimated Time: 2 weeks
• Projected Cost: ₳39,000

Milestone 5: Deployment and Release

• Success/ Acceptance Criteria:
• Preparation of the project for deployment, including packaging and versioning
• Final round of testing and validation before the official release
• Creation of release notes and communication materials
• Successful deployment and availability of the project for public use
• Estimated Time: 4 weeks
• Projected Cost: ₳98,000

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Milestone 1: Solution Design and Architecture:

• Completed architecture design, including component specifications and data schema 

Milestone 2: Development of Core Functionality Deliverables:

• Functioning software with core features implemented and integrated

Milestone 3: Testing and Quality Assurance:

• Test plans, test cases, and test reports documenting the testing activities
• Resolved bugs and issues, ensuring stable and high-quality software Intended 

Milestone 4: Documentation:

• Comprehensive installation, configuration, and usage documentation

Milestone 5: Deployment and Release:

• Packaged and versioned project ready for deployment
• Release notes and communication materials

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The proposal budget will be used to cover the cost of engineering.

Project duration is estimated at 6 months, considering that not all FTEs will be working full-time.

Resource MDs:

Solution Architect: 10

Backend Dev Senior: 77

Backend Dev Junior: 65

Frontend Dev Senior: 57

Frontend Dev Junior: 45

Project Management: 20

Total Budget: ₳665,000

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

1. Long-Term Impact: The project aims to address the limitations of existing solutions. By providing a more efficient and reliable solution, the project will contribute to the long-term stability and scalability of the Cardano ecosystem. This investment in a robust infrastructure will support the growth and development of decentralized applications and services built on Cardano.
2. Cost Savings: Developers will no longer need to invest resources in maintaining, troubleshooting, and extending existing solutions. This cost reduction allows developers to allocate their resources more efficiently, accelerating the pace of innovation and adoption within the ecosystem.
3. Community Collaboration: The project's open-source nature encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Cardano community. By openly sharing the project's outputs, documentation, and source code, it invites contributions and feedback from developers and enthusiasts. This collaborative approach fosters a vibrant and engaged community, driving innovation and improving the overall value of the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept