Cardano Python SDK with Latest Updates

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Nahom Teshome

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

130000

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

12

[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 build a modern Python SDK for Cardano with enhanced features, updated support for recent upgrades, smart contracts, and improved tools for developers to streamline blockchain interactions.

[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.”

N/A

[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

We intend to make the Cardano Python SDK fully open-source under the MIT License, ensuring broad access and community collaboration. All core components, including transaction handling, smart contract interaction, and node integration, will be open-source, allowing developers to contribute enhancements and adapt the SDK for various use cases. The repository will be publicly available and actively maintained throughout the project's lifecycle to ensure ongoing transparency and evolution.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to develop a modern, fully-featured Python SDK for Cardano, addressing the outdated state of current libraries that limit developer capabilities. We aim to create an SDK that integrates seamlessly with recent blockchain upgrades, supports smart contract development with Plutus, and provides improved tools for transaction and wallet management.

Problem Perception and Approach:

We see the current lack of up-to-date Python tools as a major obstacle for both experienced developers and new entrants into the Cardano ecosystem. By providing a comprehensive SDK, we will bridge this gap, making it easier for developers to build and deploy dApps on Cardano using Python—a language widely adopted in the data science, AI, and general programming communities.

Engagement and Impact:

Our project will engage both seasoned blockchain developers and new programmers exploring Cardano. By creating accessible documentation, tutorials, and community-driven support, we will foster a collaborative environment that encourages contributions and feedback from the community. We’ll also engage with educational institutions to promote learning and adoption of Cardano through Python.

Demonstrating Impact:

We will measure our impact by tracking metrics such as SDK adoption rates, community contributions, feedback loops, and the number of projects built using the SDK. We will actively seek partnerships with projects that can benefit from the updated capabilities, enhancing the overall ecosystem's growth.

Uniqueness of the Solution:

Unlike existing tools, our SDK will be built with modern programming practices, supporting asynchronous operations, integration with Cardano’s latest features (like Hydra and multi-asset transactions), and native support for Plutus smart contracts. This SDK will accelerate development on Cardano, expanding its reach into new sectors like AI and data science that heavily rely on Python.

This project is crucial for Cardano because it aligns with the platform's goal of becoming a leader in decentralized application development. By empowering more developers to build on Cardano using familiar tools, we can enhance the network's utility, adoption, and innovation, ultimately driving the growth of the entire ecosystem.

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

Our project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by providing a powerful and modern Python SDK that expands the accessibility of the Cardano blockchain to a broader range of developers. This will lower the barrier for entry, enabling developers with Python expertise to contribute to Cardano's ecosystem more effectively, thereby increasing innovation and adoption.

Value to the Cardano Community:

• Developer Empowerment: The SDK will empower Python developers to build dApps, smart contracts, and other blockchain-based solutions, driving growth in Cardano’s ecosystem.
• Broader Use Cases: By bridging the gap between Python and Cardano, we open up possibilities for data scientists, AI specialists, and traditional developers to create solutions that integrate blockchain technology into their domains.
• Enhanced Ecosystem Tools: A modern SDK will facilitate faster and more efficient development cycles, allowing Cardano-based projects to reach the market more quickly.

Measurement of Impact:

We will measure impact using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Adoption Metrics: Track the number of downloads, installations, and forks of the SDK on platforms like GitHub and PyPI (Python Package Index).
• Community Engagement: Monitor the number of active contributors, issues raised, pull requests, and discussions within our open-source repository.
• Project Utilization: Track the number of dApps and blockchain projects that are developed using the SDK, gauging its role in bringing new projects to the Cardano network.
• Developer Feedback: Collect qualitative feedback from developers through surveys and forums to continuously improve the SDK and understand its impact on their workflow.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Open-Source Repository: We will maintain a publicly accessible GitHub repository where all code, documentation, and updates will be shared.
• Community Events: We plan to engage with the Cardano developer community through webinars, workshops, and hackathons to showcase the SDK’s capabilities and gather insights for further improvements.
• Collaborative Efforts: Encourage partnerships with universities, developer communities, and existing Cardano projects to promote education and adoption of the SDK.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Provide clear and extensive documentation, tutorials, and guides to ensure developers of all skill levels can easily use the SDK.

[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?

Our team has a proven track record in blockchain development, open-source contributions, and creating developer tools, positioning us uniquely to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. Our background includes extensive experience with Python, Cardano's ecosystem, and building scalable SDKs, which gives us the expertise needed to modernize and optimize the Python SDK for Cardano.

Existing Capabilities:

• Blockchain Development Expertise: We have developed and contributed to various blockchain projects, including tools for smart contracts, dApp development, and transaction management.
• Experience with Cardano: Our familiarity with Cardano’s architecture, Plutus smart contracts, and its native token standards enables us to design an SDK that meets the specific needs of Cardano developers.
• Open-Source Involvement: We actively participate in open-source communities, maintaining a portfolio of repositories that showcase our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Python Proficiency: Our team's deep knowledge of Python, its frameworks, and asynchronous programming principles allows us to create robust, efficient, and developer-friendly solutions.

Feasibility Validation:

• Prototype Development: We will start by building a prototype of the SDK to validate our approach, ensuring that core features like transaction handling, wallet integration, and smart contract interaction function effectively.
• Community Feedback Loop: Engage with the developer community early in the project to gather insights and validate our development approach, adapting based on real-world feedback.
• Performance Testing: Rigorous performance and scalability testing will be conducted to ensure the SDK can handle the needs of developers and Cardano-based projects in various environments.
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Fund Management and Accountability:

• Transparent Budgeting: We will maintain a detailed budget breakdown, ensuring that all expenditures are tracked and reported with full transparency to the Cardano community.
• Milestone-Based Funding: Funds will be allocated and utilized based on clearly defined milestones, each representing a significant step in the project's development.
• Regular Updates: We will provide frequent progress reports to the community and stakeholders, sharing updates on deliverables, development challenges, and milestones achieved.
• Open Communication: We will be available for discussions on forums, social media, and Catalyst communication channels to address any concerns or questions about project progress.

Trust and Accountability:

Our team's experience, coupled with our commitment to open-source principles and transparent communication, ensures that we can be trusted to deliver this project effectively. By maintaining an open development process and engaging with the community, we will demonstrate our accountability in managing funds and achieving the project's objectives.

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

Milestone 1: SDK Architecture and Core Framework Design

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Define the SDK architecture, including core modules for transactions, wallet integration, node interaction, and smart contract support.
• Establish coding standards and project structure following Python best practices.
• Initial prototype with basic transaction functionality and asynchronous handling.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Completion of a detailed SDK architecture document outlining module design and functionality.
• Prototype version of the SDK capable of creating and handling basic Cardano transactions.
• Codebase setup adheres to open-source standards and best practices for Python libraries.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Published architecture document and codebase in a public GitHub repository.
• Demonstration of the prototype with test cases showcasing transaction creation and handling.
• Documentation on coding standards and project structure available to the community.

Milestone 2: Enhanced Smart Contract Integration and Plutus Support

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Implementation of modules for Plutus smart contract interaction, including off-chain code support.
• Integration with Cardano’s Plutus Application Backend (PAB) for streamlined smart contract deployment.
• Comprehensive testing environment for simulating Plutus contract execution.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Successful implementation of Plutus interaction capabilities within the SDK.
• Demonstration of seamless smart contract deployment and execution using the SDK.
• Test results validating smart contract functionality under different scenarios.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Code repository update with implemented smart contract features and detailed documentation.
• Video demonstration or recorded session showcasing smart contract deployment and testing using the SDK.
• Test cases and logs shared publicly to demonstrate the robustness and accuracy of the implementation.

Milestone 3: Node Integration and Data Retrieval Enhancements

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Integration with Cardano nodes for real-time data retrieval and transaction monitoring.
• Implementation of WebSocket support for live blockchain event updates.
• Optimization of API requests to enhance performance and reduce latency.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• SDK successfully connects to both full Cardano nodes and lightweight nodes for data interaction.
• Real-time updates from the blockchain are received through WebSocket integration.
• API request handling demonstrates reduced latency in performance tests.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Updated codebase with node integration features and detailed API usage documentation in the public repository.
• Performance benchmark reports showing improved response times and data retrieval accuracy.
• Recorded video or live demonstration of the SDK retrieving data from the Cardano blockchain in real time.

Community Engagement, Documentation, and Full SDK Release

• A: Milestone Outputs
• Comprehensive documentation, including user guides, API references, and integration tutorials.
• Official SDK release to the Python Package Index (PyPI) and open-source community platforms.
• Developer engagement through workshops, webinars, and hackathons to promote the SDK.
• B: Acceptance Criteria
• Completion and publication of clear, structured documentation and tutorials that guide developers in using the SDK.
• Successful SDK deployment on PyPI, making it accessible for installation and use by the broader community.
• Positive feedback and participation from the developer community in promotional events.
• C: Evidence of Milestone Completion
• Publicly accessible documentation and tutorials available in the SDK’s GitHub repository.
• Proof of the SDK release on PyPI with installation instructions and version updates.
• Reports and feedback from community engagement activities, including recorded sessions and participant testimonials.

This final milestone focuses on solidifying the SDK's usability and adoption within the Cardano and Python developer communities.

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

1: Sibhat Teshome - Product Manager and SDK Developer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sibhat-teshome-9a972b221/

Github: https://github.com/XERZES27 

Role:

Responsible for Product development and Management

2: Nahom Teshome - = Python Developer

Linkedin:

Github:

Role: Responsible for Python SDK development.

3: Mikiyas Alemayehu: Python developer

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikyas-alemayehu/

Github: https://github.com/mikyas1/

Role:Responsible for SDK Developement and Cardano Integration

4.Henok Edmealem : UI/UX Developer

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henok-edmealem-21a976197/

Portfolio: Portfolio

Role:

Responsible for UI/UX

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

Total Budget: 130,000 ADA

Below is the detailed cost breakdown for each milestone of the project, including necessary resources and expenses to ensure successful delivery and engagement.

1. Milestone 1: SDK Architecture and Core Framework Design

• Developer Costs: 25,000 ADA
• Project Management: 5,000 ADA
• Documentation Setup: 1,500 ADA

Total for Milestone 1: 31,500 ADA

2. Milestone 2: Enhanced Smart Contract Integration and Plutus Support

• Developer Costs: 28,000 ADA
• Smart Contract Auditing: 6500 ADA
• Community Feedback Sessions: 1,500 ADA

Total for Milestone 2: 36,000 ADA

3. Milestone 3: Node Integration and Data Retrieval Enhancements

• Developer Costs: 22,000 ADA
• API Integration Tools and Services: 3,500 ADA
• WebSocket Setup and Optimization: 2,500 ADA
• Performance Testing and Benchmarking: 2,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 3: 30,000 ADA

4. Milestone 4: Community Engagement, Documentation, and Full SDK Release

• Developer Costs: 18,000 ADA
• Documentation and Tutorial Creation: 5,000 ADA
• Community Events (Webinars, Workshops): 3,500 ADA
• Marketing and Outreach: 4,000 ADA
• Final Code Review and Auditing: 2,000 ADA

Total for Milestone 4: 32,500 ADA

Grand Total: 130,000 ADA

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

The project’s budget of 130,000 ADA represents a strategic investment in expanding the Cardano ecosystem by modernizing its Python SDK, which is critical for onboarding more developers and accelerating blockchain innovation. We have carefully allocated funds to ensure that each milestone is achieved with efficiency and transparency, keeping the costs in line with industry standards.

Justification of Costs:

• Developer Rates: Our developer costs are benchmarked against the average freelance rates for Python developers with blockchain expertise, which range from 30$ toi $60r hour. Given the level of specialization required for Cardano and Plutus, these rates are competitive and reflect fair compensation for highly skilled professionals.
• Code Auditing and Security: Blockchain development requires rigorous security reviews, and we have allocated funds accordingly to ensure the SDK's reliability and robustness, safeguarding the ecosystem from vulnerabilities.
• Community Engagement and Documentation: A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to creating clear documentation, community workshops, and outreach, ensuring that the SDK is widely adopted and understood by developers. This investment in education and engagement will generate long-term value for the ecosystem.

Value for Money:

• Long-Term Ecosystem Growth: By investing in a modern Python SDK, we are enabling a wider pool of developers, including those in AI and data science, to easily transition into Cardano development. This will drive the creation of new dApps and use cases, increasing the network's utility and adoption.
• Open-Source Commitment: The project is fully open-source, encouraging community contributions and innovations. This not only maximizes the project’s impact but also reduces future development costs as more developers contribute to the SDK’s evolution.
• Scalability and Flexibility: The SDK is designed with scalability in mind, ensuring it remains adaptable to future Cardano upgrades, such as Hydra and multi-asset transactions. This proactive approach minimizes the need for costly overhauls down the line.

Industry Standards and Benchmarking:

• We have aligned our budget with the global standards for software development and blockchain engineering, ensuring that we remain cost-effective while delivering a high-quality product.
• Our marketing and community engagement costs are kept modest, focusing on organic growth through developer workshops, hackathons, and content-driven outreach.