How to build on the Cardano blockchain

The second Hackathon webinar introduced building on Cardano, including an overview of tools to support participants, such as:

• •Blockfrost and Koios: Querying data directly from the blockchain can prove tedious and also has limitations when it comes to complex queries like account balances. Blockfrost and Koios allow simple, REST API-based access to diverse data from the Cardano blockchain. Both tools can be deployed in a decentralized environment—with user-provided infrastructure, or consumed conveniently using an “as-a-service” model.
• •Mesh.js: Mesh.js is a framework that, like others, conveniently packages recurring tasks for developers so that, for example, connecting a web application to a Cardano wallet becomes as simple as calling a few functions. Frameworks like this exist for other programming languages, but Mesh.js is easy to integrate with common technology stacks for building web applications.
• •cardano-connect-with-wallet: The Cardano Foundation developed this small library to unify the way applications can connect to Cardano wallets and get access to functions like signing transactions. The library has an independent frontend framework component but also offers integrations for the popular React framework.
• •Yaci: A collection of developer tools created to enhance Cardano development with the Java development language. The most remarkable tool from this collection is yaci-devkit which lets users spin up a local Cardano network by calling a single command, offering an experience similar to the one Ethereum developers are used to from tools like Ganache.

Following a comprehensive review of these tools, Mateusz Czeladka, Senior Developer and Cardano SME liaison at the Foundation, discussed how to harness the power of smart contracts with Aiken. This novel, easy-to-learn programming language resulted from the combined efforts of multiple ecosystem stakeholders and was created to simplify as well as boost the development of smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain. Notably, it comes in a straightforward syntax designed to support effortless integration with other tools and languages. In addition, Aiken introduces multiple state-of-the-art features that meet the discerning needs of developers.

#The Hackathon judging criteria

In the third webinar of the series, the Foundation prepared an ask-me-anything (AMA) session and answered incoming questions. With more than 300 registered participants to date, we first addressed questions related to team sizes, programming languages, Demeter alternatives, and best practices for presenting solutions.

Participants should note that the Foundation does not favor any specific programming language for the solution. Demeter is not obligatory; teams can choose their own node setup or use providers like Blockfrost, Koios, or others to build their solutions. Likewise, we acknowledge the significance of team size and community standing, having an appreciation for smaller developers due to their substantial contributions to the Cardano ecosystem.

However, we do not exclude larger teams with an established presence. In short, this Hackathon emphasizes execution and ideas, encouraging participants to elaborate on their concepts comprehensively, even without immediate source code development. Each component of the judging criteria reflects this ethos.

Innovation & Necessity: 30%

The process starts with an appraisal of the concept based on its novelty and ability to address a crucial requirement within the Cardano ecosystem. Specifically, the judging panel will assess whether the submission is desirable or valuable to the Cardano community.

Product & Tech Maturity: 30%

The implementation of the concept then gets judged from a technical standpoint, examining the solution's strength, preparedness, technological choices, level of completion, and suitability for actual deployment. The evaluation of technical contributions will revolve around their feasibility, usability, and clarity. Code quality, adherence to best practices, and the potential for independent execution and expansion qualify as key factors in assessing technical skills.

Additionally, when proposing solutions or user interface designs, the execution and presentation hold significance. A well-structured submission with clear documentation, including a table of contents, easy-to-follow logic, identified gaps, and outlined next steps, if applicable, demonstrates thoroughness and awareness.

Usability & User Experience: 20%

The product's user interface is analyzed, focusing on the accessibility of the developed solution, its design aspects, and how effectively it caters to the requirements of blockchain users. The criteria here encompasses security as well as user-friendliness and visual attractiveness. For example, when creating software, participants need to consider the nature of their user interface, like whether it should involve using an API.

An API might suffice for a B2B audience or when the project serves another platform. In either case, comprehensive documentation about how to use the API becomes essential. On the other hand, providing a frontend developed for mobile or web platforms would be expected if the proposal focuses on end users, such as when building a Cardano voting center for Voltaire governance. In this scenario, the application would require a submission for thorough testing by the Foundation. Alternatively, if UI implementation poses a significant challenge, making a timely proposal impossible, a basic design or conceptual idea with novel features could instead be submitted.

Go-to-Market Strategy: 10%

On top of the more technical aspects, the judges will equally assess the team's ability to promote the concept, delving into the strategy for product introduction, methods for acquiring users, and approaches to nurturing the product's community. The evaluation will center on the feasibility and potential impact of these strategies. This criterion reflects key points raised during the first webinar, particularly in discussions with EMURGO representatives, wherein submissions should foster a sustainable business model alongside technical support.

To deliver on these points, Hackathon participants will need to share their revenue generation strategies, substantiating the potential for revenue from their solution. For example, a solution might scale with hundreds of users paying lesser fees or cater to larger B2B clients where only a few clients suffice to make the platform viable—a situation akin to exclusive luxury brands. In summary, the Foundation encourages entrants to craft compelling approaches to captivate venture capitalists while presenting robust go-to-market strategies and comprehensive analyses of revenue channels.

Team: 10%

Finally, examining the individuals driving the concept forward, judges will consider the team's competencies, track record, and collective makeup. The emphasis lies in assessing the team's capability to realize the project's goals and effectively launch the product. Likewise, the team's aptitude in presentations and interactions with the Hackathon organizing committee will be factored in.

Entrants need to present their backgrounds, define whether they are students or enterprises, and detail their motivations for joining the Hackathon as well as the reason underlying their enthusiasm for Cardano. While the prominence of large companies will not outweigh individual contributors, the Cardano Foundation and EMURGO strongly endorse the value of community participation in the Hackathon. Nonetheless, the focus will always remain on gauging the team's capacity to realize project objectives and effectively introduce the solution to the market.

A final Hackathon webinar will take place on 31 August to clarify how to make a submission’s deliverables more competitive. In the meantime, the Foundation invites all interested parties to sign up for the Summit Hackathon. With the submission deadline set for 14 September, participants still have time to help shape the future of Cardano.