In traditional public chain development, developers face a series of challenges due to the huge development work and operation and maintenance costs. For example, blockchain networks require complex frameworks and components, long development cycles, token economics weighs network security and decentralization, and the complexity of the on-chain governance model. Here we will introduce Starcoin, the first modular one-click chain launch platform in the Move ecosystem. The chain launch framework StarStack it launched can achieve fast chain building.
1. Chain framework StarStack
StarStack is a chain framework recently launched by Starcoin, which enables rapid chain deployment by providing a simplified and modular blockchain creation method. This technology is not only a development tool, but a complete framework that provides developers with flexibility, speed and security, allowing them to quickly launch a blockchain network that fully meets their needs.
Unlike L2 chain issuance frameworks like OP and Polygon, StarStack is primarily used to build independent blockchains. The public chain after deployment is not restricted by the chain issuance platform, and there is greater freedom in design, allowing flexible customization of aspects such as gas, on-chain governance, VM, data availability layer, consensus mechanism, and token model, enjoying the network's computing and storage resources. In contrast, general L2 solutions rely on the Ethereum network, which, while sharing Ethereum's security and decentralization, has poorer scalability. Therefore, public chains based on StarStack are application-oriented and are more suitable for teams that have independent operational and maintenance capabilities.
StarStack also provides developers with powerful tool support, with a mature tool suite designed for development, deployment, monitoring, and debugging, reducing the complexity and difficulty of development work, allowing teams with limited development experience to easily get started.
The core idea of StarStack is to make the development of public chains as simple as deploying contracts, which also captures the pain points of the application chain wave. Many applications with millions of users can transform from a smart contract into an independent public chain-level application.
At the same time, it is worth noting that StarStack is developed based on the Move language. The Move language is also known as the safest and most flexible smart contract language, which provides more imaginative space for its one-click chain issuance solution in customizing Layer 1.
2. The Modular Path of StarStack
Modularity has become a trend in the development of public chains, and it is also one of the most important directions mentioned by StarStack. Modularity divides the blockchain into consensus layer, execution layer, data availability layer, and settlement layer, with different layers responsible for different network tasks, working together to ensure the stable operation of the entire public chain network.
We can imagine modularity as social division of labor. For example, to manufacture a car, different factories are responsible for producing different components—some produce tires, some generate glass, and some generate steel frames. The same applies to blockchain; once modularized, the efficiency and security of the entire network will be greatly improved, which is also an important topic for Ethereum's scalability.
StarStack places great emphasis on the modularization of blockchain, breaking down the complex blockchain construction process into a series of modules. Developers can freely choose and configure modules according to project needs to achieve different functional characteristics. This design not only reduces the time for development and configuration but also ensures that the project has higher flexibility and adaptability after going live.
Similarly, StarStack also divides the blockchain into consensus layer, execution layer, data availability layer, and settlement layer, each with its respective functions:
Consensus Layer: Consensus is a mechanism in the blockchain network that allows nodes in the network to reach a common protocol or understanding, confirming which data or transactions are real and accurate. This consensus mechanism determines the order of transactions in the blockchain and how new data blocks are added to the blockchain.
Execution Layer: Execution refers to how nodes on the blockchain process transactions to transition the blockchain from one state to another. Nodes participating in consensus must use their blockchain copies to execute transactions and then provide proof before validating the block.
Data Availability Layer: Data availability refers to a set of rules in the blockchain network that ensures transaction data is accessible and retrievable.
Specifically, when a new data block (block) is created, the nodes that produce these blocks (known as block producers) are responsible for publishing or sharing the data of these blocks. This allows other nodes in the network to download and save this data. Furthermore, when other nodes request this data, it must be provided.
Settlement Layer: In the blockchain, once a transaction is added to the historical record of the blockchain, this transaction is considered final and cannot be changed or revoked. This irreversible characteristic is known as 'finality.' To ensure the finality of transactions, the blockchain needs mechanisms to ensure that every transaction is valid. This means that when a transaction is submitted to the blockchain, the system conducts a series of checks, such as verifying the authenticity of the transaction and validating the relevant proofs. If any disputes or contradictions arise during this process, the blockchain will also provide an arbitration mechanism to resolve these issues. Therefore, settlement functionality requires the chain to verify transactions, validate proofs, and arbitrate disputes.
StarStack provides users with a convenient customization path through preset template configurations. Users simply need to select the required functional modules in the template and modify some basic parameters according to their needs, such as consensus type and token settings, to quickly complete the core configuration of the blockchain without starting from scratch.
In addition to modular configuration, StarStack also introduces an automated deployment process. Traditional blockchain deployment often involves tedious manual operations, requiring developers to sequentially complete the installation, configuration, and startup of multiple nodes. StarStack simplifies the entire process through one-click deployment scripts, allowing users to quickly complete the chain deployment by running just a few scripts.
This automated deployment greatly simplifies the startup process of the blockchain, avoids tedious manual operations, reduces the risk of errors, and makes the deployment process more efficient and reliable. For developers, automated deployment means they can focus more on core business logic without being constrained by cumbersome technical details.
3. What Scenarios is StarStack Suitable For?
StarStack is a highly flexible and scalable framework, which is very suitable for scenarios like DeFi, stablecoins, GameFi, and social applications that require high frequency and low cost.
For DeFi, StarStack can quickly build secure financial applications that adapt to market changes. Its modular approach simplifies the creation of DeFi platforms, ensuring the security and efficiency of transaction processing. The example of dYdX migrating from Starnet to Cosmos to create its own application chain demonstrates that financial scenarios require more scalability.
For the stablecoin sector, StarStack supports the construction of compliant stablecoins, providing a convenient framework for teams looking to launch stablecoin projects.
For GameFi, using StarStack's customized settings, it builds GameFi infrastructure suitable for gaming environments, achieving seamless integration of blockchain and gaming. Additionally, StarStack includes NFT components that can tokenize functional items like weapons and skins in games into NFTs, enabling a multi-token economic mechanism.
There is also the social aspect. Although no phenomenal product has emerged in the social sector yet, existing applications show that social applications require high-frequency interactions, and content such as posts, comments, and likes can all be tokenized as NFTs, which is similar to gaming.
Summary
Currently, the StarStack framework has been initially launched. From the existing introductions and features, it is unique in the Move track. Public chains or applications that want to enter the Move ecosystem should stay tuned, as it greatly reduces the development difficulty. Secondly, in the independent blockchain development sector, its flexibility and customizability allow public chain development to break free from many limitations, offering stronger scalability. More features to look forward to in the future.
