Cardano Playground++: Code, Compile & Deploy in One Place

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Playground++ Team

[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)

5

[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 develop Cardano Playground++, a multi-language (Plutus, Aiken, OpShin) online IDE that allows for smart contract creation, compilation, and deployment directly in the browser.

[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

Our project, Cardano Playground++, will be fully open-source, ensuring transparency and community collaboration throughout its lifecycle. We will use the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows free use, modification, and distribution of the software. This approach supports widespread adoption and contribution from developers. The entire codebase, including all features for compilation, deployment, and wallet integration, will be accessible on our public GitHub repository.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception and Approach:

The Cardano ecosystem currently lacks a light-weight, no-setup, user-friendly playground environment for smart contract development. This gap hinders especially new developers from quickly getting started with creating and deploying contracts on the Cardano blockchain. We are addressing this by creating Cardano Playground++, an online IDE that supports multiple smart contract languages such as Plutus, OpShin, and Aiken. Our IDE removes barriers by eliminating the need for complex setup processes and provides tools for direct compilation and deployment (including creation of reference scripts). Even for experienced developers who are familiar with the setup process such a tool comes in handy for quick prototyping or when experimenting with / comparing alternative SC languages.

Unique Features of Our Solution:

Cardano Playground++ is unique because it extends the functionality of the original Plutus Playground, which unfortunately is no longer available, and additionally incorporates the new alternative smart contract languages Aiken and OpShin. The IDE will feature an intuitive user interface, real-time feedback on code compilation, and easy integration with Cardano wallets for seamless contract deployment (as reference scripts).

Engagement and Impact:

Our project will engage Cardano developers of all skill levels. We will provide extensive documentation, tutorials, and community support to help users maximize the platform's capabilities. By simplifying the development process, we encourage more developers to create innovative applications on Cardano, fostering a richer ecosystem and promoting broader adoption of Cardano's blockchain technology.

Demonstration of Impact:

We will measure our impact through user adoption rates, community feedback, and the number of smart contracts developed and deployed using our IDE/playground. Success will be further demonstrated by our contribution to lowering the entry barrier for new developers and enhancing productivity for experienced developers on the Cardano blockchain.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

Cardano Playground++ will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem by providing a versatile and accessible platform for developers to innovate and build smart contracts. By supporting multiple languages and offering a comprehensive suite of development tools, our IDE will empower a broader range of developers to participate in Cardano’s growth. This democratization of development resources will accelerate the creation of diverse and robust decentralized applications (dApps), driving both technological and economic growth within the Cardano community.

Measurement of Impact:

1. Quantitative Metrics: We will track user engagement metrics, such as the number of active users, smart contracts compiled and deployed, and the frequency of wallet integrations. We'll also monitor the growth in the number of new developers joining the Cardano ecosystem as a result of using our platform.
2. Qualitative Feedback: Regular surveys and feedback loops with our users will help assess the usability and effectiveness of our IDE. Community input will guide iterative improvements and ensure the platform meets the evolving needs of developers.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

Our commitment to open-source principles ensures that all outputs from Cardano Playground++ will be readily available and free to use. The project’s source code, documentation, and updates will be hosted on GitHub, allowing for community contributions and forkability. Additionally, we will actively engage with the Cardano community through forums, social media, and direct collaborations with other Cardano projects to share knowledge, gather feedback, and promote our IDE. We plan to present our progress and insights at Cardano community events and conferences to foster a deeper connection with 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?

Team Capability and Experience:

Our team consists of an experienced blockchain developer and a UI/UX designers who both have previously contributed to successful blockchain projects, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem. Our technical lead has a deep expertise in Cardano's smart contract languages, including all three of Plutus, OpShin, and Aiken, and our designers specialize in creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for complex systems.

Trust and Accountability:

1. Transparent Budgeting: We will maintain a transparent budgeting process with detailed, publicly accessible reports on how funds are allocated and spent. This will be documented in periodic updates to our community through our project blog and GitHub.
2. Regular Updates: We commit to regular project updates, including progress reports, upcoming milestones, and financial disclosures. These updates will be shared on our official channels, ensuring that backers and the broader community are well-informed about our progress and fund usage.
3. Community Involvement: Engaging the Cardano community in our development process is crucial. We will regularly gather feedback through surveys to ensure community needs and expectations are being met.

Validating Feasibility:

To validate the feasibility of Cardano Playground++, we will:

1. Prototype Early and Test: Develop an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) early in the project timeline to test core functionalities like multi-language support and wallet integration.
2. Beta Testing with Real Users: Prior to full-scale launch, we will conduct extensive beta testing with a closed group of developers from the Cardano community. This will help us gather real-world usage data and refine the platform based on direct user feedback.
3. Iterative Development: Based on feedback and testing results, we will iterate on the IDE, enhancing features and fixing issues iteratively, which allows for flexible adjustment to technical challenges and user demands.

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

Milestone 1: Initial Setup and Prototype Development

• Outputs: Establishment of project infrastructure (development environment, GitHub repository), and development of an initial prototype supporting Plutus.
• Acceptance Criteria: Development environment fully operational, GitHub repository public and documented, and a working prototype that allows for Plutus contract compilation and basic wallet integration.
• Evidence: Screenshots of the operational environment, links to the GitHub repository, video demo of the prototype functionality.

Milestone 2: Integration of Additional Languages and Enhanced Features

• Outputs: Integration of OpShin and Aiken languages into the IDE, development of advanced IDE features such as real-time error detection, syntax highlighting, and auto-completion for all supported languages.
• Acceptance Criteria: IDE supports Plutus, OpShin, and Aiken with the newly added advanced features functional.
• Evidence: Code commits on GitHub, video demonstration of the IDE handling all languages and showcasing new features.

Milestone 3: Beta Testing and User Feedback Incorporation

• Outputs: Launch of a closed beta testing phase, collection of user feedback, and implementation of changes based on feedback.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful beta test with a set of active users, collection of detailed feedback reports, and significant user-identified issues addressed.
• Evidence: Beta test report including user statistics, feedback summary, and evidence of incorporated changes (e.g., GitHub commit history).

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out and Dissemination

• Outputs: Final version of Cardano Playground++, comprehensive documentation, and promotional materials. Release of a public launch announcement and community outreach activities.
• Acceptance Criteria: Stable release of the IDE, complete documentation available, and at least two public webinars or workshops held to introduce the platform.
• Evidence: Link to the live platform, documentation, recordings of the webinars, and a close-out report and video summarizing the project outcomes and future prospects.

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

Project Team Composition:

• Lead Developer Paul: Specializes in blockchain and smart contract development with extensive experience in Cardano smart contract languages. The lead will oversee all technical aspects of the IDE development, ensuring alignment with Cardano's standards and protocols.
• UI/UX Designer Julia: Experienced in designing intuitive interfaces for complex systems, particularly in the tech and blockchain sectors. Responsible for the user interface design and user experience optimization of the IDE.

Additional Recruitment:

We plan to recruit additional developers with specific expertise in the OpShin and Aiken languages to enhance our team's capabilities in these areas. We will also look for backend developers experienced in integrating blockchain technologies with web applications.

Engagement:

Our team members have been actively involved in technical discussions within Cardano community channels on Discord and Telegram, ensuring we are aligned with community needs and technical developments. We have direct lines of communication with key resources and stakeholders in the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Budget Breakdown:

1. Development Costs - 70,000 ADA:
2. Setup of Compilation Server Infrastructure - 20,000 ADA: Establishing and configuring server environments to support compilation for Plutus, OpShin, and Aiken. This includes provisioning of hardware resources, configuring network settings, and implementing security measures.
3. Development of Browser-Based Editor Web-App - 30,000 ADA: Creating a web application that supports coding in various smart contract languages with features like syntax highlighting, linting, auto-completion, and integrated debugging tools.
4. Integration of Wallet Connectivity and Deployment Features - 20,000 ADA: Developing functionalities for wallet connections and enabling users to deploy contracts directly from the IDE to the Cardano blockchain.
5. Design and User Experience - 12,000 ADA:
6. Initial Design Outline Iterations - 5,000 ADA: Creating multiple iterations of the user interface, focusing on usability and aesthetic appeal to ensure a smooth user experience.
7. Incorporation of User Feedback - 7,000 ADA: Implementing a structured process for collecting and integrating user feedback into the design to improve functionality and usability.
8. Quality Assurance and Community Feedback - 7,000 ADA:
9. User Testing - 4,000 ADA: Conducting extensive user testing phases with real-world scenarios to ensure the IDE meets community needs and usability standards.
10. Community Feedback Incorporation - 3,000 ADA: Costs associated with integrating community feedback into development iterations, including surveys and community outreach.
11. Documentation and Reporting - 6,000 ADA:
12. Technical Writing Services - 4,000 Ada: For creating comprehensive user manuals, API documentation, and online help resources. This also includes creating video tutorials and walkthroughs.
13. Reporting - 2,000 Ada: Preparation of detailed reports for project backers and the community, including financial transparency reports and development updates.

Total Budget: 95,000 ADA

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

Value for Money Justification:

The budget for Cardano Playground++ has been meticulously structured to ensure optimal allocation of resources while maximizing the potential impact on the Cardano ecosystem. Here's how we ensure value for money:

1. Competitive Development Costs: The budget allocation for development, which constitutes the bulk of the total costs at 50,000 ADA, is in line with competitive market rates for blockchain developers. Our team comprises experts with specialized knowledge in Cardano’s smart contract languages, which justifies the premium due to the scarcity and demand for such skills. Average salaries for blockchain developers in our country, which range from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, corroborate our budgeting decisions.
2. Efficient Resource Utilization: The design and user experience, allocated 8,000 ADA, reflect the critical role of usability in software adoption. This cost is justified by the need for a highly intuitive interface to encourage widespread use within the community, which aligns with market rates for experienced UI/UX designers in the tech industry.
3. Community-Centric Development: Allocating 5,000 ADA to user testing and community feedback incorporation emphasizes our commitment to a user-centered design approach. This ensures the tool evolves based on real user needs and feedback, enhancing the utility and adoption of the IDE across the Cardano community.
4. Documentation and Reporting: The 2,000 ADA for documentation and reporting underscores our dedication to transparency and ongoing community engagement. Comprehensive documentation and regular updates ensure that the community remains well-informed and can easily adopt and use the platform.

Each cost element is directly tied to project outcomes that enhance the Cardano ecosystem's capabilities, facilitating easier and more efficient smart contract development. This not only supports current developers but also lowers the barrier for new entrants, thereby expanding the ecosystem and enhancing its overall value.

By investing in a tool that supports multiple languages and offers an integrated development environment directly in the browser, the Cardano ecosystem is positioned to attract a broader audience of developers, thereby fostering greater innovation and diversity in applications on the blockchain.