Block Corporation’s Lightning Development Kit (LDK) Evolves to Improve Node Operation Efficiency

Open LDK Node

A new software library “LDK Node” was introduced on the 23rd in the Lightning Dev Kit (LDK), a kit for developers of the Lightning Network. The development of LDK is handled by Spiral, the crypto asset (virtual currency) division of Block Corporation (formerly Square), a major US payment company.

LDK Node is designed to greatly streamline the construction and deployment of Lightning Network nodes, enabling developers to build their own Lightning Nodes in just one day.

The LDK Node is a modular Rust library that uses the LDK (Lightning Development Kit) and BDK (Bitcoin Development Kit) to fully implement the Lightning protocol. The goal of the library is to make it easier for developers of all experience to integrate the Lightning Network into their applications and facilitate Bitcoin transactions.

LDK Node distinguishes itself from conventional LDK libraries in that it has a small number of APIs and provides a simple interface. In addition, the built-in on-chain wallet enables secure fund management and supports mobile application development.

In this announcement, it was also revealed that chain data is acquired from Electrum and bitcoind RPC, and integration with LSP specifications that can be linked with the development environment is planned. These enhancements are especially important for newcomers unfamiliar with protocol details and external service integrations. Easy access to the latest information keeps the development process running smoothly.

The number of Lightning Network nodes doubled to 15,600 in August-September 2022, but has remained flat since then. At the time of writing, there are 16,383, according to data site 1ML. Since nodes on the Lightning Network are always online, they are vulnerable to attacks, and the costs associated with opening and closing channels and costs such as routing fees are an issue.

connection:Major Exchange OKX Supports Bitcoin Lightning Network Development

Companies behind Lightning

Lightning Network revolutionizes Bitcoin transactions. There are more than a few companies supporting and promoting its development. In December 2021, Spiral, the crypto-asset (virtual currency) division of Block (formerly Square), released a tool (LDK) that makes it easy to integrate the Lightning Network into mobile devices and sales terminals.

connection:Dorsey’s Spiral Releases Lightning Network Developer Kit

Block’s cash app allows Bitcoin payments to be made for free using the Lightning Network. In addition, Twitter integrated Strike’s payment API in September 2021 and introduced Lightning Network to the tipping function.

And MicroStrategy, known as the largest holder of Bitcoin, has integrated LN technology into its business intelligence web app, making it easy to adopt the Lightning Network’s instant payment and remittance capabilities in all aspects of corporate activities. has expressed its intention to do so.

connection:MicroStrategy to Offer Enterprise Solutions for Bitcoin Lightning

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