Cardano Developer Toolkit

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

surafel nigusie

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[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] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a comprehensive Cardano Developer Toolkit to simplify development, enhance collaboration, and promote best practices.

[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.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The Cardano Developer Toolkit project is committed to being open source throughout its entire lifecycle. We intend to use an open-source license that allows the community to copy, inspect, and alter the project's output.

The specific open-source license we plan to use will be determined based on compatibility with Cardano's ecosystem and community preferences, ensuring maximum accessibility and collaboration. All components developed under this project, including libraries, SDKs, documentation, and community platforms, will be open source and available in a declared open-source repository. This approach aligns with the principles of transparency, collaboration, and community-driven innovation that are fundamental to open-source development and the Cardano ecosystem.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

the project aim is to solve the complexity and inefficiencies faced by Cardano developers by creating the Cardano Developer Toolkit. This comprehensive suite of tools and resources will streamline the development process by centralizing essential tools, providing standardized libraries and SDKs, and offering extensive documentation. it will engage developers, both new and experienced, as well as key stakeholders, to gather insights and ensure the toolkit addresses real-world development needs. it`s impact will be measured through metrics such as developer adoption rates, community engagement levels, feedback from stakeholders, and improvements in development efficiency and code quality, demonstrating the effectiveness of the solution.

feature and benefits:

1. Comprehensive Support: The Cardano Developer Toolkit provides end-to-end support, from development to deployment, reducing the barriers for developers and empowering them to create high-quality solutions.
2. Collaborative Environment: By fostering collaboration through a dedicated platform, we promote knowledge sharing, code reuse, and community-driven innovation.
3. Long-Term Sustainability: The open-source nature of the toolkit ensures continuous improvement, community contributions, and long-term sustainability, aligning with Cardano's principles of transparency and decentralization.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The Cardano Developer Toolkit project will have a positive impact on the wider Cardano community by simplifying the development process, fostering collaboration, and promoting adoption. By streamlining tools and resources, we'll attract more developers, leading to a diverse range of innovative applications. Collaboration features will strengthen community bonds, encouraging cooperation and mutual support. This will lower entry barriers, driving adoption in various sectors and enhancing Cardano's relevance. We'll measure impact through metrics like developer adoption, community growth, and project usage, alongside qualitative feedback. Outputs and opportunities will be shared through regular updates, partnerships, and open documentation, maximizing the toolkit's impact and empowering developers within the ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

I'm Surafel Nigusie, a Computer Science BSc student with more than two years of experience in blockchain and full stack development across various EVM-compatible environments. My programming expertise includes Python, Java, Haskell, REST, JavaScript, React, Next.js, and Solidity.

Having worked in the cryptocurrency and blockchain development fields, I’ve encountered challenges in developer onboarding and effectively utilizing blockchain environments. My firsthand experience with these challenges on the Cardano platform has driven my commitment to improve the developer experience.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will conduct a pilot phase with a select group of developers, gather feedback, and iterate on our toolkit based on real-world usage. Our process involves continuous integration and testing to ensure the toolkit meets the highest standards of quality and functionality.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Development of Core Toolkit Components (Month 1 - 2 )

A: Milestone outputs

1. Initial version of the integrated development environment (IDE) for Cardano.
2. Basic set of standardized libraries and SDKs for common Cardano development tasks.
3. Draft of comprehensive documentation outlining toolkit usage and best practices.

B: Acceptance criteria

1. The IDE must include essential features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, debugging tools, and seamless Cardano integration.
2. Standardized libraries and SDKs should cover wallet management, transaction handling, smart contract deployment, and native asset interactions.
3. Documentation must be clear, accessible, and provide detailed guidance on using toolkit components.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

1. Demonstration video showcasing IDE functionality and integration with Cardano.
2. Code repository containing the initial libraries and SDKs with documentation.
3. Feedback from a subset of developers confirming usability and effectiveness of the toolkit components.

Toolkit Expansion and Community Engagement (Month 3 -4 )

A: Milestone outputs

1. Expanded features and enhancements to the integrated development environment (IDE) based on user feedback.
2. Additional libraries, SDKs, and utilities to address more complex Cardano development scenarios.
3. Launch of the community collaboration platform for developers to share code, collaborate, and discuss best practices.

B: Acceptance criteria

1. Enhanced IDE features should improve developer productivity, debugging capabilities, and integration with Cardano tools.
2. Additional libraries and SDKs must cover advanced functionalities such as multi-asset support, smart contract testing frameworks, and blockchain interaction tools.
3. The community platform should be user-friendly, secure, and actively used by developers for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

1. User feedback surveys or testimonials demonstrating improved IDE usability and functionality.
2. GitHub repository updates showcasing new libraries, SDKs, and utilities with documentation and examples.
3. Active engagement metrics on the community platform, including user registrations, code contributions, and discussions.

Documentation Enhancement and Adoption Metrics ( Month - 5)

A: Milestone outputs

1. Comprehensive and user-friendly documentation covering all toolkit components, best practices, and use cases.
2. Integration of feedback mechanisms within the toolkit and community platform to gather ongoing input from developers.
3. Metrics dashboard to track adoption rates, developer engagement, and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to toolkit usage.

B: Acceptance criteria

1. Documentation must be organized, searchable, and regularly updated to reflect changes and improvements in the toolkit.
2. Feedback mechanisms should be integrated seamlessly into the toolkit and community platform, allowing developers to provide input easily.
3. The metrics dashboard should provide real-time data on adoption rates, active users, code contributions, and community interactions.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

1. Documentation repository with version control and evidence of regular updates based on toolkit changes and community feedback.
2. Screenshots or demo videos showing the feedback mechanisms in action within the toolkit and community platform.
3. Metrics dashboard showcasing adoption rates, user engagement metrics, and KPIs aligned with project goals.

Community Impact and Sustainability (Month - 6 )

A: Milestone outputs

1. Successful integration of the Cardano Developer Toolkit into real-world projects and applications.
2. Community-driven contributions to the toolkit, including new features, enhancements, and bug fixes.
3. Establishment of partnerships and collaborations with other Cardano projects, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to promote ecosystem growth.

B: Acceptance criteria

1. Toolkit adoption in at least 25 real-world projects, showcasing tangible outcomes and improvements in development efficiency.
2. Active engagement and contributions from the developer community, evidenced by GitHub activity, forum discussions, and code contributions.
3. Documentation of partnerships and collaborations, highlighting shared initiatives, joint events, or integrations that benefit the Cardano ecosystem.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

1. Case studies or testimonials from projects using the toolkit, highlighting the impact on their development processes and outcomes.
2. GitHub repository activity logs, pull requests, and community forum discussions demonstrating ongoing engagement and contributions.
3. Partnership announcements, event summaries, or collaborative project documentation showcasing tangible outcomes and mutual benefits.

Impact Assessment and Future Roadmap ( Month - 7 )

A: Milestone outputs

1. Comprehensive impact assessment report detailing the quantitative and qualitative outcomes of the Cardano Developer Toolkit project.
2. Roadmap for future development iterations and enhancements based on feedback, lessons learned, and evolving Cardano ecosystem needs.
3. Engagement plan to continue community involvement, gather ongoing feedback, and sustain the momentum of the toolkit project.

B: Acceptance criteria

1. Impact assessment report should include quantitative metrics (e.g., adoption rates, developer engagement metrics) and qualitative feedback (e.g., user testimonials, case studies) demonstrating the project's success and impact.
2. Roadmap should outline specific features, improvements, and milestones for future toolkit iterations, aligned with community feedback and project goals.
3. Engagement plan should detail strategies for maintaining developer interest, fostering collaboration, and ensuring continuous improvement of the toolkit.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

1. Published impact assessment report accessible to the Cardano community, regulators, and stakeholders, showcasing measurable outcomes and success stories.
2. Roadmap document outlining clear milestones, timelines, and feature enhancements for upcoming toolkit versions, validated through community feedback and project team consensus.
3. Active implementation of engagement plan strategies, such as regular updates, community events, and collaboration initiatives, to sustain developer interest and involvement in the toolkit project.

Project Completion and Handover ( Month - 8 )

A: Milestone outputs

1. Finalized version of the Cardano Developer Toolkit with all planned features, enhancements, and documentation completed.
2. Transition plan outlining the handover of project ownership, maintenance responsibilities, and ongoing support to the Cardano community or designated stakeholders.
3. Closing report summarizing key project achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future similar initiatives.

B: Acceptance criteria

1. The finalized toolkit version must meet all predefined feature requirements, usability standards, and quality benchmarks set during project planning.
2. Transition plan should detail the transfer of code repositories, documentation, project assets, and any ongoing support arrangements to ensure continuity.
3. Closing report must provide a comprehensive overview of project outcomes, success metrics, impact assessment results, and actionable insights for future projects.

C: Evidence of milestone completion

1. Release announcement and documentation for the finalized toolkit version, including version control logs and release notes.
2. Formal handover documentation and communication with designated stakeholders or the Cardano community, confirming the successful transfer of project ownership and responsibilities.
3. Published closing report accessible to stakeholders and the broader Cardano community, summarizing project achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Surafel Nigusie

• Role: Project Lead / Full Stack Developer
• LinkedIn: Surafel Nigusie
• Responsibilities: Overall project management, core toolkit development, backend and frontend development, integrating feedback, and ensuring project milestones are met.

Planning to Recruit:

1, Blockchain Developers

• Skills Required: Proficiency in Cardano development (Plutus, Marlowe), Haskell programming, blockchain architecture, smart contract development.
• Responsibilities: Development of Cardano-specific components, smart contracts, and ensuring compatibility with Cardano's blockchain architecture.

2, Full Stack Developers

• Skills Required: Frontend technologies (React, Next.js), backend development (Node.js, REST APIs), database management (SQL, NoSQL), DevOps practices (CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Responsibilities: Developing the toolkit's user interface and backend, ensuring seamless integration, and maintaining the overall functionality of the toolkit.

3, Technical Writers

• Skills Required: Comprehensive technical documentation, writing guides and tutorials, API and SDK documentation, familiarity with markdown and documentation tools.
• Responsibilities: Creating and maintaining high-quality documentation, guides, and tutorials for the toolkit to aid developer onboarding and usage.

4,UI/UX Designers

• Skills Required: User interface and user experience design, design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, understanding design principles and accessibility standards.
• Responsibilities: Designing the user interface of the toolkit, ensuring an intuitive and engaging user experience, and maintaining design consistency.

5, Community Managers

• Skills Required: Managing developer communities and forums, strong communication and engagement skills, organizing community events, familiarity with social media and online platforms.
• Responsibilities: Engaging with the developer community, organizing events and feedback sessions, and promoting the toolkit within and beyond the Cardano ecosystem.

7, Project Managers

• Skills Required: Software development project management, project management tools (Jira, Trello), organizational and leadership skills, tracking progress.
• Responsibilities: Managing project timelines, coordinating between different teams, ensuring milestones are met, and reporting on project progress.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Development Costs

• Core Toolkit Development (Milestone 1):
• Development tools and licenses: 5,000
• Developer salaries/contractor fees: 35,000

Total cost : 40,000

Duration of milestone: 4 month`s

• Toolkit Expansion and Community Engagement (Milestone 2):
• Enhanced features and integrations: 25,000
• Community platform setup: 15,000

Total cost : 35,000

Duration of milestone: 2 month`s

• Documentation Enhancement and Adoption Metrics (Milestone 3):
• Comprehensive documentation: 10,000
• Feedback mechanisms and metrics tracking: 5,000

Total cost : 15,000

Duration of milestone: 1 month

• Community Impact and Sustainability (Milestone 4):
• Community engagement activities: 10,000
• Partnership development: 15,000

Total cost : 15,000

Duration of milestone: 1 month

• Impact Assessment and Future Roadmap (Milestone 5):
• Impact assessment: 5,000
• Future roadmap development: 5,000

Total cost : 10,000

Duration of milestone: 1 month

Total cost in All milestone`s = 125,000

2.Third-Party Services

• Cloud Hosting Services:
• AWS/Azure/other cloud services: 10,000
• Marketing and Publicity:
• Marketing campaigns and promotional materials: 5,000
• Organizing community events: 5,000
• Project Management:
• Project management tools and software: 3,000
• Project manager salary/consultancy fees: 2,000
• Legal and Compliance:
• Legal advice and compliance audits: 5,000
• Reporting and Documentation:
• Preparing reports and updates: 5,000

Total Budget

• Development Costs: 125,000
• Third-Party Services: 35,000
• Contingency Fund: 10,000
• Total Budget Request: 170,000

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

The cost breakdown for the Cardano Developer Toolkit project reflects value for money by aligning with industry standards, project complexity, and expected outcomes. The costs are justified based on factors such as the level of expertise required for software development, community engagement efforts, third-party services, and project management.

I have considered average freelance rates in the blockchain development industry, cloud hosting expenses, marketing and publicity costs, legal and compliance considerations, as well as the need for documentation and reporting back to the community.

This ensures that the project budget is proportional to the scope of work, the impact it aims to achieve within the Cardano ecosystem, and the resources required for successful project delivery, thus representing a balanced investment in advancing Cardano's developer ecosystem capabilities.