[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

PROTOFIRE - Developer Studio v2

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

100000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

4

[Proposal Summary] Translation Information

Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated

No

Original Language

en

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Cardano smart contract development remains complex, with scattered tools and a steep learning curve, hindering ecosystem growth and developer adoption.

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

No dependencies.

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

Dev Studio v2 will be fully open source, available throughout the entire project lifecycle as GitHub repositories. We will use the GNU General Public License v3.0 for both the Dev Studio Repository and the VS Code extension.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal

Developer Tools

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Mention your open source license and describe your open source license rationale.

We will use the GNU General Public License v3.0 for both the Dev Studio Repository and the VS Code extension. This ensures that all developers can freely use, modify, and contribute to the project, fostering a collaborative ecosystem around Cardano development tools.

How do you make sure your source code is accessible to the public from project start, and people are informed?

All source code will be hosted in public GitHub repositories from the start of the project. The repository link will be shared widely. A comprehensive README.md and contribution guidelines will ensure the project is accessible and easy to engage with.

How will you provide high quality documentation?

We will provide comprehensive, multi-level documentation, including detailed inline code comments, technical specifications, and a dedicated documentation site with step-by-step tutorials and guides for developers. Documentation will be treated as a core deliverable.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Protofire - Cardano Developer Studio v2 (Dev Studio v2) is a significant evolution of the original version, designed to provide a comprehensive and highly interactive development environment for Cardano smart contract developers. Our solution is divided into two main components: the Dev Studio Repository and the Dev Studio VS Code Extension.

Background on Developer Studio

The original Developer Studio, funded by a previous Catalyst proposal, was created to address the challenges in Cardano smart contract development. It provided an all-in-one repository with automated multi-container workflows using Docker Compose, simplifying the setup of essential tools like Cardano Node, Wallet, and DB Sync. This initial version significantly reduced the time and complexity involved in setting up a Cardano development environment.

Links:

• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17syWOnVuGjW77iaArqgLp_eWdmp7oJleXVTSC-tryBc/edit?slide=id.g2d3f861765c_0_35#slide=id.g2d3f861765c_0_35
• Catalyst Idea: https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/cardano-open-developers/cardano-developer-studio

Dev Studio v2 builds upon this foundation, expanding its capabilities and introducing a more intuitive, integrated development experience.

Dev Studio Repository

New Tools and Containers

• Dev Studio will incorporate new tools to enhance development in Cardano, including Scrolls (a tool for maintaining optimized collections of on-chain entities).
• Generic development container: An improvement of the current development container. The new container includes tools for development in Haskell and Aiken, providing a complete environment for compiling and testing smart contracts.
• Container for creating and managing custom Cardano test networks:
  • Allows configuring private networks with one or multiple interconnected nodes.
  • Customization of network parameters (slot time, etc.) to simulate different scenarios.
  • Ideal for development and testing in a controlled environment without external interference.

CLI Improvements

• More user-friendly, visually appealing, and detailed menus to guide users through the different functionalities.
• Enhanced user experience for more intuitive navigation.
• Creation of contract development repos from templates and certain user configurations: language, versions of compilation tools to include in dev container, extensions to include, etc. The Dev Containers created in these repos include the new Dev Studio extension.

Configuration and Compatibility

• Central JSON configuration file for Dev Studio:
  • Includes availability matrix and version compatibility for node, wallet server, dbsync.
  • Contains download paths for all images and tools.
  • Provides information on availability of snapshots and images on Docker Hub.
  • Allows us to keep Dev Studio always up-to-date, despite the ever-changing world of Cardano and its tools. This JSON could be updated in the repo or the repo itself could have a function in the CLI to update the JSON, avoiding the need for the user to download the entire Dev Studio again.

Advanced File and Data Management

• Specific folders for configuration and data of each tool.
• Separation by network, versions, and customizable names.
• Automatic recognition of configuration and data folders by each container/tool.

VS Code Dev Studio Extension

Initial Setup and Project Management

• Support for multiple languages: Haskell, Aiken, Helios.
• Creation of projects from scratch or integration with existing user repos.
• Generation of repos based on smart contract templates and some user inputs: chosen language, versions of compilation tools, extensions to add in dev container, etc.

Integration with specific Dev Containers for each language:

• Provides pre-configured development environments with necessary compilers and tools.
• Includes VS Code extensions specific to each language (linters, formatters, etc.).
• Allows for consistent development regardless of the user's local environment.

Contract Compilation

• Support for Haskell, Aiken, and Helios.
• Standardized project structure to facilitate interaction with the extension (specific file naming conventions and folder structure).
• Basic Code Analysis:
  • Automatic detection of validators and policies in the code
  • Extraction of parameters necessary for compilation
  • Identification and analysis of datums and redeemers
• Haskell and Aiken: compiler in local environment or in dev container.
• Helios: Compilation integrated into the extension (JavaScript compiler).
• Interface with input fields to provide compilation parameters based on the parameter structure of parameterizable contracts.
• Generation and storage of results in JSON format and blueprint when applicable.
• Specific folder structure for compilation results
• Management of generated artifacts (compiled scripts, Blueprints)

Connection with Network and Tools

• Automatic detection of Cardano nodes, networks, and auxiliary tools in the local environment.
• Flexible integration with different backends:
  • Priority use of local nodes and tools managed by Dev Studio.
  • Option to connect with external API services such as Blockfrost (requires additional configurations, such as API key, etc.).

UTXO and Balance Management

• Detailed visualization of UTXOs associated with addresses and contracts.
• Calculation and presentation of total balances and per UTXO.
• Detailed information about native tokens in each UTXO.
• To create transactions, UTXOs that will be part of the inputs can be chosen.

Bidirectional Integration with Dev Studio Repository

• The extension detects and uses containers and tools managed by Dev Studio.
• The Dev Studio CLI offers options to create new projects with:
  • Predefined templates.
  • Dev Containers configuration.
  • Automatic installation of relevant extensions, including the Dev Studio extension.

Future Vision

Our long-term vision is for Cardano Developer Studio v2 to become the standard development environment for Cardano, similar to what Remix is for Ethereum. We plan to continue expanding the platform's capabilities, including:

• Advanced testing and simulation tools.
• Deeper integration with contract analysis and optimization tools.
• Support for emerging design patterns and standards in the Cardano ecosystem.
• Continuous improvements in user experience and accessibility for new developers.
• Interaction with Contracts
  • Possibility to create/edit blueprints to define the structure and behavior of contracts.
  • Blueprint-based transaction creation system:
  • Dynamic generation of interfaces for redeemers and datums according to contract specification.
  • Support for different data types according to Blueprint CIP
  • Support for different types of basic transactions: minting, creation, consumption, and updating. Selection of UTXOs for inputs and configuration of outputs (addresses, values -tokens- and datums).
  • Selection of specific redeemers and datums from the blueprint for each transaction:
  • Minting: Choice of redeemers.
  • Creation: Choice of datum.
  • Consumption: Choice of redeemer.
  • Update: Choice of redeemer and new datum.
  • Validation of inputs based on the data types expected by the contract.
• Development in Web-Based Environments
  • Support for VS Code in browser:
  • Possibility to install the Dev Studio extension in VS Code for Web.
  • Creation and compilation of Helios contracts directly in the browser, without the need for additional compilers.
  • Contract testing and transaction creation from the web environment.
  • Integration with cloud development platforms:
  • Support for GitHub Codespaces: Automatic configuration of complete development environments in the cloud.
  • Integration with Gitpod: Use of .gitpod.yml and .gitpod.Dockerfile files to configure development environments.
  • Allows users to work on Cardano projects completely in the cloud, with associated costs depending on the chosen platform.

With Cardano Developer Studio v2, we aim to significantly accelerate application development in Cardano, fostering innovation and ecosystem growth.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

Dev Studio v2 will have a substantial positive impact on the Cardano community:

Increased Developer Adoption: By lowering the barrier to entry, we expect to see an increase in active Cardano developers. The intuitive interface and multi-language support will attract developers from various backgrounds.

Accelerated dApp Development: We anticipate a reduction in development time for smart contracts and dApps. This will lead to a proliferation of new applications on Cardano, enriching the ecosystem.

Enhanced Community Collaboration: The open-source nature of Dev Studio v2 will foster a collaborative environment for tool development. We aim to see community contributions to the project within the first year.

Standardization of Development Practices: Dev Studio v2 will establish best practices for Cardano development, leading to more consistent and interoperable dApps.

Education and Skill Development: The platform will serve as an educational tool, helping developers transition to Cardano from other blockchains.

Ecosystem Growth: By simplifying the development process, we expect to see an increase in the number of projects launched on Cardano.

Measuring Impact:

• GitHub metrics: Stars, forks, and active contributors to the Dev Studio v2 repository.
• User surveys and feedback collected through the VS Code extension.
• Number of projects and dApps citing Dev Studio v2 in their development process.
• Community engagement metrics on Discord, Telegram, and other platforms.
• Number of transactions and smart contracts deployed using Dev Studio v2.

Sharing Outputs:

• Regular updates and demonstrations on Cardano community calls and events.
• Monthly blog posts detailing new features, case studies, and community spotlights.
• Open-source documentation and contribution guidelines to encourage community involvement.
• Collaboration with Cardano education initiatives to incorporate Dev Studio v2 into learning curricula.

By providing a robust, user-friendly development environment, Dev Studio v2 will catalyze growth, innovation, and quality in the Cardano ecosystem, solidifying its position as a leading blockchain platform for decentralized applications.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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?

Protofire's Capability to Deliver:

• Proven Track Record:
  • Extensive experience in blockchain development across multiple platforms (Ethereum, Polkadot, etc.).
  • We have successfully delivered two Catalyst-funded proposals: Dev Studio (completed) and SmartUTXO (completed). These projects demonstrate our ability to execute Cardano development tools effectively.
    • Dev Studio: https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/cardano-open-developers/cardano-developer-studio
    • SmartUTXO: https://cardano.ideascale.com/c/cardano/idea/110478
• Expert Team:
  • Our team includes seasoned blockchain developers, Haskell experts, and UI/UX specialists.
  • Key team members:
    • Diego Torres: Project Management, Blockchain Strategy
    • Manuel Padilla: Lead Software Engineer, Cardano Specialist
    • Camila Mancusi: QA Engineer
    • Francisco Ciordia Cantarella: Full Stack Developer
    • Braian Leiva: DevOps Engineer
• Established Processes:
  • Agile development methodology with bi-weekly sprints and regular stakeholder reviews.
  • Robust QA processes to ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Community Engagement:
  • Active participation in Cardano community channels (Discord, Telegram).
  • Regular communication and feedback loops with developers and stakeholders.

Trust and Accountability:

• Financial Management:
  • Transparent budgeting and expense tracking.
  • Regular financial reports submitted to Project Catalyst.
• Open Development:
  • Public GitHub repository with clear contribution guidelines.
  • Regular progress updates and demos shared with the community.
• Milestone-based Delivery:
  • Clear, measurable milestones with associated deliverables.
  • Independent review of milestone completions.

Approach Validation:

• Iterative Development:
  • Start with core features and gradually expand based on community feedback.
  • Regular beta releases to gather user input and validate usability.
• Technical Feasibility Studies:
  • Prototype key components (e.g., multi-language compilation, blueprint system) early in the development process.
  • Collaborate with Cardano core developers to ensure alignment with protocol updates.
• User Testing:
  • Engage a diverse group of Cardano developers for beta testing.
  • Conduct usability studies to validate the intuitive design of the VS Code extension.
• Performance Benchmarking:
  • Compare development speed and ease-of-use against current Cardano development methods.
  • Measure resource usage and optimization of compiled smart contracts.
• Security Audits:
  • Conduct regular security audits of the codebase.
  • Implement bug bounty program to encourage community-driven security improvements.
• Scalability Testing:
  • Simulate high-load scenarios to ensure Dev Studio v2 can handle large-scale projects.
  • Test integration with various Cardano network configurations (mainnet, testnet, private networks).

By combining our proven expertise, transparent processes, and rigorous validation methods, we are confident in our ability to deliver Dev Studio v2 as a trusted, high-quality development environment for the Cardano ecosystem.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Core Infrastructure and CLI Enhancements

Milestone Outputs

Updated Dev Studio Repository with new Docker containers Improved CLI with user-friendly, visually appealing, and detailed menus for navigating functionalities Initial setup for container to create and manage custom Cardano test networks

Acceptance Criteria

Docker containers are operational and manageable through the new CLI demonstrates enhanced user experience with intuitive navigation through all functionalities Custom Cardano test network can be created with configurable parameters (e.g., slot time)

Evidence of Completion

GitHub repository updates showing new container configurations and CLI improvements Demo video showcasing the enhanced CLI functionality and container management Documentation for new tools added and custom test network setup process

Delivery Month

1

Cost

20000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Configuration System and File Management

Milestone Outputs

Implementation of central JSON configuration file for Dev Studio Advanced file and data management system for tool-specific configurations Functionality to create contract development repos from templates via CLI

Acceptance Criteria

JSON configuration file includes:

• Version compatibility matrix for node, wallet server, dbsync
• Download paths for all images and tools
• Information on availability of snapshots and Docker Hub images Specific folders for configuration and data of each tool, with:
  • Separation by network, versions, and customizable names
  • Automatic recognition of configuration and data folders by each container/tool.
• Users can create new projects via CLI with customizable settings:
  • Language selection
  • Compilation tool versions
  • Dev container configurations
  • VS Code extension inclusions

Evidence of Completion

Comprehensive documentation of the JSON configuration system Demo of the file management system and project creation process via CLI

Delivery Month

2

Cost

20000

Progress

40 %

Milestone Title

VS Code Extension Foundation

Milestone Outputs

Basic VS Code extension structure supporting Haskell, Aiken, and Helios Integration mechanism between VS Code extension and Dev Studio Repository Project creation and management features within VS Code

Acceptance Criteria

VS Code extension can be installed and recognizes Haskell, Aiken, and Helios file types Extension successfully communicates with and utilizes Dev Studio Repository containers and tools Users can create new projects or integrate existing repos within VS Code, with:

• Language-specific Dev Container configurations
• Necessary compiler and tool setups
• Relevant VS Code extensions (e.g., linters, formatters) automatically included

Evidence of Completion

• VS Code extension available for testing (not yet published to marketplace).
• Tutorial video demonstrating project creation and management within VS Code Documentation detailing extension features and Dev Studio Repository integration

Delivery Month

3

Cost

30000

Progress

70 %

Milestone Title

Contract Compilation and Structure

Milestone Outputs

This milestone will deliver robust, integrated contract compilation support directly within the VS Code extension for Haskell, Aiken, and Helios developers.

It will seamlessly invoke the necessary compilers, whether they are installed locally or running inside the provided Dev Container environment. A key feature is the dynamic user interface for handling parameterizable contracts. The extension will analyze the contract's structure to automatically generate an input form, guiding the developer to provide the correct parameters before compilation. This simplifies a traditionally error-prone process, creating a more intuitive and efficient workflow.

Acceptance Criteria

Successful compilation of Haskell and Aiken contracts in both local and dev container environments Helios compilation integrated directly into the VS Code extension Interface for inputting compilation parameters based on contract structure Compilation results stored in JSON format and as blueprints when applicable Specific folder structure for compilation results and artifact management

Evidence of Completion

Demonstration videos of compilation process for each supported language Documentation of standardized project structure and compilation parameter interface

Delivery Month

4

Cost

30000

Progress

100 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Roles and Hourly Rates

The hourly rates for each role remain unchanged:

• Project Manager: 67 ADA/h
• Technical Architect: 80 ADA/h
• Blockchain Developer: 93 ADA/h
• Full Stack Developer: 93 ADA/h
• DevOps Engineer: 80 ADA/h
• Quality Assurance Specialist: 67 ADA/h

Milestone 1: Core Infrastructure and CLI Enhancements

• Subtotal: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 2: Configuration System and File Management

• Subtotal: 20,000 ADA

Milestone 3: VS Code Extension Foundation

• Subtotal: 30,000 ADA

Milestone 4: Contract Compilation and Structure

• Subtotal: 30,000 ADA

Grand Total: 100,000 ADA

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

Dev Studio v2 represents exceptional value for money for the Cardano ecosystem for several reasons:

Accelerated Ecosystem Growth By significantly reducing the barriers to entry for developers, Dev Studio v2 will accelerate the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. This increased developer activity is likely to result in more dApps, greater innovation, and increased adoption of Cardano, potentially driving up the value of ADA and the overall ecosystem.

Long-term Cost Savings While the initial investment is substantial, Dev Studio v2 will save the ecosystem millions in collective development time and resources. By providing a standardized, efficient development environment, we're reducing the learning curve and development time for all future Cardano projects.

Quality Improvement The integrated testing and optimization tools will lead to higher quality smart contracts and dApps. This improvement in quality can prevent costly bugs and exploits, protecting user funds and maintaining the integrity of the Cardano network.

Community Empowerment As an open-source project, Dev Studio v2 becomes a community asset. The initial investment will create a platform that the entire Cardano community can build upon and improve, multiplying the return on investment over time.

Competitive Advantage Dev Studio v2 will position Cardano as one of the most developer-friendly blockchain platforms. This competitive advantage can attract more developers and projects to Cardano, increasing its market share in the blockchain space.

Educational Value The project serves as both a development tool and an educational platform. The cost invested in Dev Studio v2 will yield returns in the form of a more skilled and capable developer community.

Reduced Onboarding Costs For companies and projects building on Cardano, Dev Studio v2 will significantly reduce the time and cost of onboarding new developers, making it more attractive to build on Cardano.

Ongoing Support and Improvement The budget allocation for community engagement and ongoing development ensures that Dev Studio v2 will continue to evolve and improve, providing value well beyond the initial development period.

Cost-Effective Alternative Compared to the cost of each development team creating their own tools or the potential cost of critical errors in smart contracts, the investment in Dev Studio v2 is highly cost-effective for the ecosystem as a whole.

Catalyst for Innovation By lowering the technical barriers, Dev Studio v2 can spark new innovations in the Cardano ecosystem. The potential value generated from these innovations could far exceed the initial investment.

In conclusion, while the upfront cost is significant, a substantial potential return on investment for the Cardano ecosystem. Dev Studio v2 is not just a development tool; it's a strategic investment in the future growth, quality, and competitiveness of the Cardano platform. The long-term benefits in terms of ecosystem growth, developer productivity, and platform robustness make this project an excellent value proposition for Cardano.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes