Cardano Dev Assistant: An AI-Powered VS Code Extension

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

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

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

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

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

Cardano Dev Assistant: AI-powered for real-time syntax correction & clear explanations of Cardano functions, empowering efficient development.

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

[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?

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

The project outputs are open source, licensed under the MIT license. The MIT license is a permissive free software license that allows for commercial use, modification, distribution, and private use, with the only requirement being that the copyright and license notices must be included in all copies or substantial portions of the software.

All elements of the code will be open source under the MIT license. There are no portions that will remain closed-source.

[METADATA] Horizons

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Addressing the Challenge:

Developing smart contracts and applications on the Cardano platform can be complex, especially for developers new to the ecosystem. A robust and user-friendly development toolset is crucial for fostering a thriving and innovative Cardano community. The Cardano Dev Assistant is an AI-powered VS Code extension that leverages large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to streamline the development experience.

Enhancing Developer Efficiency:

The Cardano Dev Assistant offers a comprehensive suite of features within the familiar VS Code environment to boost development speed, accuracy, and understanding:

• In-depth Function Explanations: Receive clear and concise explanations of Cardano functions directly within the editor, promoting deeper understanding and reducing reliance on external documentation.
• Code Optimization Suggestions: Analyze existing Cardano code and suggest optimizations for performance, security, and maintainability.

Robust and Secure AI-Powered Assistance:

The Cardano Dev Assistant will utilize a state-of-the-art LLM specifically fine-tuned on Cardano's codebase, documentation, and community resources. To provide accurate and contextual assistance, a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) approach will be employed. This technique involves storing and retrieving relevant context from a knowledge base, allowing the LLM to refer to specific information when answering queries.

Stringent security measures and safeguards will be implemented to prevent misuse or vulnerabilities introduced by AI-powered assistance.

Technical Approach:

The Cardano Dev Assistant will be implemented as a VS Code extension, providing seamless integration with the popular code editor used by many developers. The extension will leverage two key components: an existing large language model (LLM) and a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) system.

1. Large Language Model (LLM):

•    An existing state-of-the-art LLM, such as GPT-4, or an open-source model like llama3, will be utilized.
•    The LLM will power features like in-depth function explanations, code optimization suggestions, and natural language query support.

2. Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) System:

• A RAG system will be implemented to provide relevant context and information to the LLM when answering queries.
• The RAG system will consist of two components:
• Knowledge Base: A structured storage system (e.g., vector database) to store and index Cardano-related content (code snippets, documentation, tutorials, etc.).
• Retriever: A component responsible for retrieving the most relevant information from the knowledge base based on the user's query.
• When a user asks a question or requests an explanation, the retriever will fetch relevant information from the knowledge base, which will be consumed by the LLM to generate a contextual and accurate response.

3. Design Diagram:

The VS Code extension will provide the user interface for developers to interact with the Cardano Dev Assistant. User inputs (code, questions) will be processed by the LLM, which will leverage the RAG system to retrieve relevant context from the knowledge base when necessary. The LLM will then generate appropriate responses, such as code optimization suggestions, function explanations, or answers to queries.

Keeping Pace with Cardano's Evolution:

As the Cardano platform continues to evolve, the Cardano Dev Assistant will seamlessly adapt to updates and changes. A dedicated team will monitor platform developments and regularly fine-tune the LLM and knowledge base, ensuring the tool remains up-to-date and relevant for developers.

Building a Vibrant Cardano Ecosystem:

By lowering the barrier to entry and fostering a more efficient development experience, the Cardano Dev Assistant aims to:

• Attract New Talent: A user-friendly development environment will entice more developers to join the Cardano community, fostering a more diverse and innovative ecosystem.
• Fuel Application Growth: With a larger and more productive developer base, the Cardano blockchain will see the creation of a wider range of applications, propelling its growth and adoption.

Empowering Innovation and Long-Term Success:

The Cardano Dev Assistant aspires to be a catalyst for innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. By equipping developers with the right resources and tools, we aim to:

• Increase Accessibility: Make Cardano development more approachable for developers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
• Drive Innovation: Empower developers to focus on creating groundbreaking applications that push the boundaries of what's possible on the Cardano blockchain.
• Propel Cardano's Success: Contribute to the long-term success and wider adoption of the Cardano network.

Implementation and Community Engagement:

The Cardano Dev Assistant will be developed as a VS Code extension, ensuring a cohesive and familiar experience for developers. Clear metrics, such as developer adoption rates and application growth, will be established to measure the tool's impact.

Throughout the development process, we will actively engage with the Cardano community, gather feedback, and incorporate their insights to ensure the Cardano Dev Assistant meets the evolving needs of developers.

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

The Cardano Dev Assistant project aims to have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by fostering a more accessible and efficient development environment, attracting new talent, and fueling the growth of innovative applications on the Cardano blockchain.

Fostering Developer Adoption and Productivity By providing a seamless AI-powered development experience within the familiar VS Code interface, the Cardano Dev Assistant reduces the barriers to entry for developers, especially those new to the Cardano ecosystem. Features like in-depth function explanations, code optimization suggestions, and natural language query support will significantly boost developer productivity and understanding, enabling them to focus on building groundbreaking applications.

Driving Innovation and Application Growth A more productive and diverse developer community will drive innovation and accelerate the creation of a wide range of applications on the Cardano blockchain. As the ecosystem expands and more use cases emerge, it will propel the growth and adoption of the Cardano network, benefiting the entire community.

Measuring Impact To quantify the impact of the Cardano Dev Assistant, we will establish the following metrics:

1. Developer Adoption Rate: Track the number of developers actively using the Cardano Dev Assistant over time, reflecting the tool's ability to attract and retain talent.
2. Application Growth: Monitor the growth of new applications and smart contracts deployed on the Cardano blockchain, indicating increased developer productivity and innovation.
3. Community Feedback: Collect qualitative feedback from developers through surveys, forums, and direct communication channels to understand the tool's impact on their development experience and productivity.
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Sharing Outputs and Opportunities We are committed to fostering an open and collaborative community. The outputs and opportunities resulting from the Cardano Dev Assistant project will be shared through various channels, including:

1. Open-Source Contributions: The codebase for the Cardano Dev Assistant VS Code extension will be open-sourced, allowing community members to contribute, extend, and build upon the project.
2. Documentation and Tutorials: Detailed documentation, tutorials, and best practices will be published to help developers effectively utilize the Cardano Dev Assistant and maximize its potential.
3. Community Engagement: Regular updates, success stories, and insights will be shared through community forums, social media channels, and dedicated developer meetups or conferences.

By fostering developer productivity, driving innovation, and sharing our outputs openly, the Cardano Dev Assistant aims to bring significant value to the Cardano community, contributing to its long-term growth and success.

[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?

We are confident in our capability to deliver the Cardano Dev Assistant: An AI-Powered VS Code Extension project with high levels of trust and accountability. Our team possesses a unique combination of technical expertise, project management experience, and a deep understanding of the Cardano ecosystem, making us well-suited to execute this initiative successfully. Additionally, my personal experience in delivering successful open-source projects further solidifies our ability to deliver this project with quality.

Project Management and Accountability:

1. Agile Methodologies and Milestone-based Delivery: We follow agile methodologies and a milestone-based approach to project management. This ensures transparent and iterative delivery, allowing for regular progress tracking, risk mitigation, and continuous feedback incorporation from the Cardano community.
2. Rigorous Testing and Quality Assurance: Our development process includes comprehensive testing strategies, including unit testing, integration testing, load testing, and security audits. We will also conduct extensive usability testing with the Cardano developer community to ensure the portal meets their needs and expectations.
3. Financial Accountability and Transparency: We have established robust financial management processes and will maintain detailed records of all expenditures. Regular financial reports and audits will be conducted, ensuring complete transparency and accountability in managing the funds provided.

Proven Experience and Recognition:

We have successfully delivered open-source projects, such as a PDF reading assistance tool and an educational chatbot, which have been recognized and supported by industry leaders like Microsoft. Our ability to deliver high-quality projects has been validated by Microsoft, which provided resources to continue our work. These open-source projects demonstrate our expertise, skillset, and knowledge required to deliver this AI-powered Cardano Documentation Portal project with quality.

Validating Feasibility:

1. Proof-of-Concept and Prototyping: Before commencing full-scale development, we will create a proof-of-concept and functional prototype to validate our approach's feasibility. This will involve integrating sample Cardano resources, testing the AI engine's performance, and gathering early feedback from potential users.
2. Continuous Community Engagement: Throughout the project's lifecycle, we will actively engage with the Cardano developer community through workshops, forums, and feedback sessions. This continuous engagement will help us validate our approach, identify potential roadblocks, and adapt our solutions accordingly.
3. Collaboration with Cardano Ecosystem Partners: We will collaborate with relevant Cardano ecosystem partners, including the Cardano Foundation, IOHK, and other stakeholders. Their insights and guidance will be invaluable in validating our approach's feasibility and ensuring seamless integration with the broader Cardano ecosystem.
4. Leveraging Prior Experience: Our team has successfully delivered various projects that will contribute to the success of this AI-powered Cardano Documentation Portal. These include:

• PDF Reading Assistance Tool: A tool that leverages AI to simplify and enhance the reading experience of PDF documents.
• Educational Chatbot: An AI-powered chatbot designed to assist students and educators in the learning process.
• Cogito Stablecoin: designed and deployed a stablecoin for a Cogito project on Cardano. Project website.
• Universal DevTools for Cardano Integration: A WordPress plugin that seamlessly integrates Cardano functionalities, demonstrating our expertise in the Cardano ecosystem.

These previous projects showcase our ability to develop innovative AI solutions, integrate with existing platforms, and tailor our approach to specific domains like education and blockchain technology.

With our team's technical expertise, project management capabilities, financial accountability measures, proven experience in delivering successful open-source projects recognized by industry leaders, and a multi-pronged approach to validating feasibility, we are confident in our ability to deliver the Cardano Dev Assistant: An AI-Powered VS Code Extension project with high levels of trust and accountability, fostering innovation and driving the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Milestone 1:

Milestone 1: Knowledge Base Construction and Optimization (Estimated Duration: 2 months)

Milestone Outputs:

• Curated and validated collection of Cardano resources, including codebase, documentation, tutorials, and community contributions.
• Preprocessed and structured data for efficient indexing and retrieval within the knowledge base.
• Optimized knowledge base using appropriate data structures and retrieval techniques.
• Established criteria for determining the completeness and coverage of the knowledge base.

Acceptance Criteria:

• a populated and optimized knowledge base containing a comprehensive set of Cardano-related information, validated through quality assurance testing.
• Efficient indexing and retrieval of relevant information from the knowledge base, demonstrated through performance benchmarking.
• Positive feedback from subject matter experts and the Cardano community on the breadth and accuracy of the knowledge base.
• Continuously updated and maintained knowledge base reflecting the latest developments in the Cardano ecosystem.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Documentation of the curated knowledge base with initial content loaded.
• Reports on data preprocessing and optimization techniques used.
• Performance benchmarking results.
• Feedback reports from subject matter experts and the Cardano community.
• Maintenance logs show continuous updates.

Milestone 2:

Milestone 2: LLM and RAG Integration (Estimated Duration: 2 months)

Milestone Outputs:

• Optimized retriever component of the RAG system for efficient and accurate retrieval of relevant context from the knowledge base.
• Seamless integration of the pre-trained LLM and optimized RAG system into a scalable and secure API.
• Comprehensive testing frameworks to validate the accuracy, performance, and reliability of the LLM's outputs and the RAG system's context retrieval.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Efficient and reliable context retrieval from the knowledge base, demonstrated through performance testing and user feedback.
• Relevant and accurate responses from the LLM, specific to the Cardano domain, were validated through community feedback and benchmarking.
• Positive sentiment from Cardano developers regarding the quality and usefulness of the LLM-powered assistance provided through the API.
• Continuous monitoring and optimization of the LLM and RAG system integration based on evolving requirements and user feedback.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Source code and API documentation for the integrated LLM and RAG systems.
• Performance testing and benchmarking reports.
• User feedback and sentiment analysis reports.
• Logs of continuous monitoring and optimization activities.

Milestone 3:

Milestone 3: VS Code Extension Integration (Estimated Duration: 3 months)

Milestone Outputs:

• Developed VS Code extension with a user-friendly interface for Cardano developers.
• Integrated LLM and RAG systems into the VS Code extension, enabling features like code completion, natural language query support, and context-aware assistance.
• Implemented mechanisms for communication and data exchange between the VS Code extension and the LLM/RAG system API.
• Comprehensive testing frameworks to validate the integration, performance, and usability of the VS Code extension.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Functional VS Code extension with seamless integration of the LLM and RAG systems, validated through testing and user feedback.
• Positive feedback from Cardano developers on the extension's performance, usability, and productivity enhancements within the VS Code environment.
• Successful demonstration of core features like code completion, natural language query support, and context-aware assistance within the extension.
• Efficient and secure communication between the VS Code extension and the LLM/RAG system API, ensuring data privacy and integrity.
• Continuous improvement and refinement of the VS Code extension based on ongoing feedback and evolving requirements.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Published VS Code extension with integrated features.
• User testing and feedback reports.
• Demonstration videos showcase core features.
• Continuous improvement logs and documentation updates.

Milestone 4:

Milestone 4: Beta Testing and Refinement (Estimated Duration: 1 month)

Milestone Outputs:

• Defined criteria for selecting a diverse group of Cardano developers as beta testers, representing various skill levels and use cases.
• Released the beta version of the Cardano Dev Assistant to the selected group for a predetermined testing period.
• Implemented mechanisms for gathering structured feedback, bug reports, and feature requests from beta testers.
• Prioritized and addressed reported issues, bugs, and feedback, refining the solution based on real-world usage scenarios.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of the beta testing plan, with participation from a diverse group of Cardano developers.
• Comprehensive feedback and bug reports collected, analyzed, and prioritized for resolution.
• Refined and improved Cardano Dev Assistant based on beta testing feedback, addressing identified issues and incorporating requested features.
• Positive sentiment from beta testers regarding the overall quality, performance, and usefulness of the solution.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Beta testing plan documentation and execution reports.
• Collected feedback and bug reports.
• Logs of prioritized issue resolution and feature enhancements.
• Feedback reports and sentiment analysis from beta testers.

Final Milestone:

Final Milestone: Launch and Community Engagement (Estimated Duration: 1 month)

Milestone Outputs:

• Officially launched Cardano Dev Assistant to the wider Cardano community, leveraging marketing campaigns, social media outreach, and community events.
• Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and support resources developed to ensure a smooth onboarding experience for developers.
• Dedicated channels have been established for community engagement, feedback, and support, such as forums, mailing lists, and social media groups.
• Fostering a collaborative environment by encouraging community contributions, feature suggestions, and knowledge sharing.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of the launch plan, with widespread awareness and adoption among the Cardano developer community.
• Positive feedback from developers on the quality and comprehensiveness of the documentation, tutorials, and support resources.
• Active engagement and participation in the established community channels, with a steady flow of feedback, suggestions, and contributions.
• Measurable growth in the user base and adoption rates, indicating the Cardano Dev Assistant's value to the community.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Metrics and analytics reports on user adoption and engagement.
• Documentation and tutorial repository.
• Records of community events, workshops, and engagement activities.
• Feedback reports and community contribution logs.

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

Core Team Member

Name: Eyasu Shiferaw LinkedIn:

Role: AI Engineer

Eyasu Shiferaw is a skilled AI engineer with over two years of experience in developing cutting-edge applications that leverage artificial intelligence technology. His expertise lies in seamlessly integrating AI capabilities into innovative solutions and contributing to open-source projects, making him a valuable asset to this project.

Currently employed at SingularityNET, a renowned platform for decentralized AI services, Eyasu has honed his skills in building applications and websites that harness the power of AI. His recent accomplishments include successfully designing and deploying a stablecoin for a Cogito project on the Cardano blockchain, demonstrating his proficiency in the field.

As the AI Engineer, Eyasu's responsibilities will include:

• Architecting and implementing the AI components of the proposed solution
• Integrating state-of-the-art machine learning models, large language models, and algorithms
• Optimizing the AI systems for performance, scalability, and efficiency
• Conducting thorough testing and validation of the AI components
• Collaborating with the development team to ensure seamless integration with other project components
• Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI technology and applying relevant innovations to the project

Eyasu's email address is eyasu.shiferaw@singularitynet.io for direct communication and coordination.

Name: Ruth Shiferaw LinkedIn:

Role: Project Manager

Ruth Shiferaw is an accomplished project manager with over 10 years of experience leading initiatives across diverse industries, including supply chain and healthcare. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in product management to this project.

Currently employed at JSI, a renowned organization in the healthcare sector, Ruth has honed her skills in various areas, such as databases, Android development, HTML, and data analytics. Her technical proficiency, coupled with her strong communication and presentation abilities, makes her an ideal candidate to oversee the successful execution of this project.

As the Project Manager, Ruth's responsibilities will encompass:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive project plans and timelines
• Coordinating and facilitating cross-functional team collaboration
• Monitoring project progress and ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets
• Identifying and mitigating potential risks and issues
• Maintaining clear communication channels with stakeholders and providing regular updates
• Ensuring the seamless integration of project deliverables and components

Ruth's email address is shiferawruth@gmail.com for direct communication and coordination.

Name: Yeabsira T. Bekele LinkedIn:

Role: Software Development Lead & VS Code Extension Developer

Yeabsira T. Bekele is a seasoned software expert with over 2 years of experience in software development and VS Code extension development. His extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in building software solutions, combined with his skills in developing VS Code extensions, make him a valuable asset to the project. Yeabsira has honed his skills in developing high-quality software applications and tools. He has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that enhance developer productivity and user experience.

In his role as the Software Development Lead & VS Code Extension Developer, Yeabsira will be responsible for:

• Leading the development of the software components required for the project
• Designing and implementing a VS Code extension to simplify the development process for Cardano developers
• Ensuring seamless integration of the software components with the AI/NLP models and backend systems
• Collaborating with the AI/NLP, backend, and frontend teams to ensure a cohesive and efficient development experience
• Maintaining high standards of code quality, performance, and usability

We have already engaged with all the core team members, and they have all confirmed their willingness and availability to contribute to this project.

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

Knowledge Base Construction and Optimization (25% of Budget: 23,675 ADA)

• Data Acquisition: Acquiring relevant Cardano resources (codebase, documentation, tutorials) (5,000 ADA)
• Professional Services: Subject matter experts for curation and validation (8,000 ADA)
• Infrastructure: Scalable storage and indexing solutions (10,675 ADA)

LLM and RAG Integration (30% of Budget: 28,410 ADA)

• Software Licenses: LLM and RAG system development tools (12,000 ADA)
• Infrastructure: High-performance computing resources for LLM integration and optimization (13,410 ADA)
• Professional Services: Third-party performance and security audits (3,000 ADA)

VS Code Extension Integration (20% of Budget: 18,940 ADA)

• Software Licenses: VS Code extension development tools (6,000 ada)
• Infrastructure: Testing and staging environments (8,940 ada)
• Professional Services: UX/UI design consultation (4,000 ada)

Beta Testing and Refinement (10% of Budget: 9,470 ADA)

• Infrastructure: Scalable beta testing environments (5,470 ADA)
• Professional Services: Usability testing and feedback analysis (4,000 ADA)

Launch and Community Engagement (10% of Budget: 14,205 ADA)

• Marketing and Promotion: Campaigns, social media, community events (4,000 ADA)
• Documentation and Support: Technical writing, community support channels (5,470 ADA)
• Project Management: Dedicated project manager and supporting tools (3,235 ada)
• Reporting and Documentation: Progress reports, project retrospectives (1,500 ada)

Total Estimated Project Cost: 94,700 ADA

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

The proposed costs for the Cardano Dev Assistant project represent exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. While the total estimated cost of $94,700 may seem substantial, it is a prudent investment that aligns with the project's ambitious goals and the long-term value it promises to deliver.

Justification of Costs:

• Knowledge Base Construction and Optimization (23,675 ada ):
• Building a comprehensive and accurate knowledge base is crucial for providing reliable and context-aware assistance to Cardano developers.
• Investing in data acquisition, subject-matter expertise, and scalable infrastructure ensures the quality and relevance of the information, enhancing the overall value and accuracy of the assistance provided.
• This investment will directly contribute to improving developer productivity, attracting new talent, and fostering innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.
• LLM and RAG Integration (28,410 ada):
• Leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems is essential for delivering accurate and efficient assistance.
• The costs associated with LLM and RAG system development tools, high-performance computing resources, and third-party audits are aligned with industry standards for integrating advanced AI technologies.
• Enabling Cardano developers to utilize AI-powered assistance will significantly boost their productivity and empower them to create groundbreaking applications, driving the growth and adoption of the Cardano ecosystem.
• VS Code Extension Integration (18,940 ada):
• Providing a seamless and user-friendly integration of AI-powered assistance within the familiar VS Code environment is crucial for developer adoption and productivity.
• Investing in development tools, testing environments, and UX/UI design consultation will ensure a polished and intuitive experience, maximizing the value derived from the Cardano Dev Assistant.
• Beta Testing and Refinement (9,470 ada):
• Thorough beta testing and refinement are essential for delivering a high-quality and valuable product to the Cardano community.
• Costs associated with scalable testing environments and usability testing services will enable gathering valuable feedback from a diverse group of Cardano developers.
• Addressing identified issues and incorporating user feedback will result in a polished and user-friendly solution, further enhancing its value proposition.
• Launch and Community Engagement (14,205 ADA)
• Fostering widespread awareness, adoption, and engagement with the Cardano Dev Assistant is crucial for its success and impact on the ecosystem.
• Investing in marketing, promotion, documentation, and support channels will help attract and retain developers, contributing to the growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem.
• Efficient project execution, transparent communication, and accountability are essential for maintaining trust and confidence in the delivery of the Cardano Dev Assistant.
• Costs associated with dedicated project management and reporting will ensure proper governance and documentation throughout the project's lifecycle.

Cost Benchmarking:

• The proposed costs are based on industry benchmarks for similar projects involving AI integration, software development, and community engagement.
• The team has extensive experience in delivering complex software solutions and has carefully estimated the costs based on prevailing market rates for professional services, software licenses, and infrastructure.
• Additionally, the costs are proportional to the average wages and freelance rates in the technology sector, ensuring fair compensation for the expertise and resources required.

By investing in the Cardano Dev Assistant, the Cardano ecosystem will benefit from a robust and user-friendly solution that streamlines development, attracts new talent, and fosters innovation. The proposed costs represent value for money, as they are justified by the expected benefits, aligned with industry standards, and supported by thorough cost benchmarking and analysis.