SAIB: Chrysalis – A Modern C# Serialization Library for .NET Cardano Development

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Clark Alesna

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

No Additional applicants

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

6

[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)

Chrysalis, a modern C# serialization library, allows .NET developers to create Cardano transactions. It improves on the outdated CardanoSharp.Wallet, enhancing structure, code quality, and API design.

[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

Everything about Chrysalis will be open source under Apache Open-Source License found in the project repository.

[METADATA] Horizons

Developer Tools

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Chrysalis will provide a C# Serialization Library for the Cardano blockchain, enabling .NET developers to create Cardano data types including transactions using the .NET family of languages. The project addresses the gap in the ecosystem for a reliable and up-to-date serialization library for Cardano in .NET. 

 

Problem Statement 

The only existing serialization library in the Cardano ecosystem for C#, CardanoSharp.Wallet, is outdated and incompatible with the latest Chang era. It has not been maintained, leaving .NET developers with no modern tools to easily interact with Cardano data or transactions. The last commit was made 5 months ago as shown in the image below. It is clear that maintaining such a crucial library cannot be sustained without dedicated support, as it cannot be completely done for free. 

(view image here)

Proposed Solution 

Chrysalis aims to be a reborn C# serialization library, empowering developers to assemble Cardano data / transactions using C# / F# / VB.NET and other languages within the .NET family of languages. Our team at SAIB Inc. has already taken steps to fork and update CardanoSharp.Wallet, ensuring its compatibility with the Chang era. Now, we seek to go further and build a comprehensive library that is easy to use, highly maintained, and forward compatible with future updates. 

Similar to our efforts for the library which was funded by Catalyst called “Argus”, A .NET serialization library should have the same treatment and attention, requiring an official website along with comprehensive and full-blown documentation. 

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

Chrysalis will expand Cardano's developer base by empowering C# and .NET developers to easily build and interact with the blockchain. This increased accessibility will drive dApp development, innovation, and broader adoption of Cardano. By offering a modern, maintained serialization library, Chrysalis will provide the community with a reliable tool for managing Cardano data and creating transactions, contributing to the ecosystem's growth and health. It will also foster collaboration through open-source contributions, encouraging continuous improvement and the long-term sustainability of Cardano-based projects.

[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?

With over fifteen (15) years of full-stack development experience across diverse platforms such as cloud, gaming, mobile, and server environments, I can confidently say that my comprehensive and diverse background uniquely qualifies me to lead this initiative. As the founder of SAIB Inc., a company specializing in blockchain technologies, I have successfully spearheaded several innovative projects on the Cardano platform. My collaboration with key entities such as TxPipe, dcSpark, Crashr, Coinecta, Levvy, and the Cardano Foundation highlights my strong understanding and deep commitment to the Cardano ecosystem.   

In addition to my leadership role, I bring hands-on experience as the operator of the ADAPH stake pool, and I have contributed to the development of open-source Cardano tools—further advancing the platform's functionality and accessibility. Our team's successful funding in Project Catalyst's Fund 12 demonstrates our ability to undertake projects with transparency and accountability. This ongoing work further reinforces my commitment to driving innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. For more details, you can learn about our project here: https://github.com/SAIB-Inc/Argus 

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

Architecture Design (Month 1) 

Objective: Design the architecture for a fluent and modern API that enables seamless serialization and transaction building. The API will be inspired by JavaScript serialization and transaction libraries such as Lucid or Blaze, ensuring an intuitive and developer-friendly interface. 

Deliverables: 

• Detailed API design document outlining core functionalities for serialization, transaction building, and interaction with blockchain providers. 
• Architectural overview focusing on flexibility, modularity, and ease of use. 
• Blueprint for integrating third-party providers (Blockfrost, Maestro, U5C) into the API. 

Implementation (Month 2-4) 

Objective: Implement the core functionality of the Chrysalis API, focusing on Cardano’s CBOR serialization/deserialization, transaction building, and key generation. Provider support and coin selection algorithms will be integrated to ensure smooth interaction with the Cardano blockchain. 

Deliverables: 

• Fully functional Cardano CBOR (de)serialization engine. 
• Implementation of a robust coin selection algorithm for efficient transaction creation. 
• Transaction building and signing capabilities integrated into the API. 
• Support for blockchain providers (Blockfrost, Maestro, U5C). 
• Implementation of public/private key generation and address derivation functionality. 
• Report documenting the implementation status and any technical challenges. 

Testing & Performance Optimizations (Month 5) 

Objective: Conduct comprehensive testing to ensure the API functions correctly across all scenarios, including real-world transaction handling and provider interaction. Optimize the API for performance, ensuring efficient serialization, transaction processing, and integration with providers. 

Deliverables: 

• A full suite of automated tests for all core functionalities, including serialization, coin selection, transaction building, signing, and provider integration. 
• Performance benchmarks for key API functions under various load conditions. 
• Report documenting test results, bugs discovered, and optimizations applied to improve performance and stability. 

Documentation & Website (Month 5-6) 

Objective: Create comprehensive documentation for developers using the Chrysalis API. This includes usage guides, API references, and tutorials. A dedicated website will also be developed to provide easy access to the documentation and other resources. 

Deliverables: 

• Complete developer documentation, including setup guides, API references, and code examples. 
• Tutorials for developers demonstrating how to use the API for tasks like transaction creation, signing, and provider integration. 
• A dedicated website hosting all documentation, tutorials, and resources. 

Release (Month 6) 

Objective: Officially release Chrysalis to the public, providing a robust, well-documented API for Cardano developers. This milestone will focus on launching the API, promoting it to the community, and gathering feedback for future improvements. 

Deliverables: 

• Public release of the Chrysalis API on relevant platforms. 
• Finalized developer guides and developer resources available on the website. 
• Community engagement activities, such as webinars, launch events, and developer Q&A sessions. 
• Final project report summarizing developer feedback, initial performance metrics, and suggestions for future development or improvements. 

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

Team Lead:  

• Clark Alesna - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkalesna/ 

Backend Engineer:  

• Christian Benedict Gantuangco - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christan-gantuangco/ 
• Reza Jhay Lacanlale - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reza-jhay-lacanlale-6b8b62107/ 
• John Quinnvic Taboada - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-quinnvic-taboada-8801b9275/ 
• Wendell Mor Tamayo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendell-mor-tamayo-41388b298/ 
• Rico Miles Quiblat - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rico-miles-quiblat-34a6b7298/
• Jonh Alexis Buot - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laplace-xd/

Frontend Engineer:  

• Stan Kiefer Gallego - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiefer-gallego/ 
• Kathea Mari Mayol - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathea-mayol/ 
• Caitlin Mariel Lindsay - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-mariel-lindsay-7341a3323/
• Ivanne Bayer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanne-bayer-a23b30302/

Marketing and Quality:  

• Melissa Naomi Legara - https://www.linkedin.com/in/misai-legara/ 
• Bern Villacura - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbiebern/

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

Developers: We will allocate 45,000 ADA for the engagement of 4 developers. This will cover their compensation for the duration of the project, including development, testing, and ongoing support for the solution.

Development Infrastructure: An additional 10,000 ADA is allocated for Development Infrastructure, including Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) servers, as well as other server and hosting requirements. This budget will ensure the necessary tools and infrastructure are in place to support efficient and secure development processes.

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

The budget for Chrysalis is thoughtfully designed to ensure value for money while maintaining fairness and competitiveness. Our allocation for salaries is based on competitive industry standards and adjusted for the cost of living in the geographic locations of our development team. This ensures that our skilled professionals are compensated fairly, reflecting their integral role in the success of the project.

Additionally, we’ve included necessary costs for infrastructure and promotional activities, both of which are crucial for the effective deployment and community adoption of Chrysalis. These expenses have been calculated based on current market rates and are essential for ensuring the smooth delivery of the project, as well as driving visibility and adoption within the ecosystem.

Our six-month timeline is meticulously planned based on a comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope and the capabilities of our team. This allows us to efficiently execute all phases, from development to launch, while adhering to high-quality standards.

By carefully managing the budget and aligning it with realistic salary benchmarks and operational requirements, we ensure financial prudence while delivering a project that provides substantial value to the Cardano ecosystem. Chrysalis not only enhances the infrastructure but also promotes wider adoption, including enterprise-level applications, which will contribute to significant growth and utilization across various industries.