Cardano Developers' Race For Data Protection Dominance

Cardano’s sidechain solution, Midnight, has released its DevNet for developers, following a limited release in late 2023. Operating as a sandbox, the devnet aims to empower developers to build data protection DApps on the network, experiment using shielded swaps and smart contracts, and fine-tune DApps without impacting real users or assets. Midnight developers will secure an early lead on building ground-breaking data protection technology and experience the benefits of IOG’s research-based, security-first approach to development, per the team.

Midnight’s innovative, TypeScript-based programming model will help you to: ✓ Simplify your development process; ✓ Showcase your DApp to the Midnight community; ✓ Build early relationships with our engineers and other pioneers

Blockchain networks typically hold a mainnet along with test nets for experimentation and development purposes. Devnet blockchains are kind of a test network mimicking the mainnet but without the elevated risks of mining or live transactions. Often less crowded than the mainnet, the devnet network is an important tool for developers looking to craft new cryptocurrencies or blockchain technologies and, in turn, facilitates the creation of a more robust and secure network through trial and error.

Announcing the release, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson urged developers to create innovative projects. Earlier, the IOG boss doubled down on its newest sidechain protocol, emphasizing its limitless potential. Midnight, as per Hoskinson, is designed to address the core issues of freedom of association, freedom of commerce, and freedom of expression, collectively known as ACE, offering stakeholders in the digital currency ecosystem access to indispensable tools while preserving their privacy. 

Cardano’s Midnight Shines

Leading crypto market intelligence firm Messari also highlighted Midnight in its recent Q4 report on blockchain performance. Touted as a milestone in data protection, Midnight recently rolled out some of its features and use cases, including the use of Substrate, a development framework pioneered by Polkadot.

Unlike other Cardano sidechains, Midnight is soon to launch its native token, DUST. Some of the use cases include identity verification, controlled access to tokenized digital assets, enhanced AI and LLMs, decentralized credit scoring, decentralized anonymous voting, etc.

Meanwhile, ADA, the native token of the smart contract network, has rallied by over 6% in the past 24 hours, making it among the top gainers in the altcoin troupe.