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Getting Started

Hydra is the layer-two scalability solution for Cardano, which aims to increase the speed of transactions (low latency, high throughput) and minimize transaction cost.

This repository contains the proof-of-concept implementation for the Hydra Head protocol. It is a developer preview that we've put together, marching towards a production ready solution. It contains a hydra-node, which runs a simplified (coordinated) Hydra Head protocol, connects to other hydra-nodes, interfaces the Cardano blockchain and provides an API to clients such as the included example terminal user interface hydra-tui.

Mainnet Availability

The Hydra Head protocol version 0.10.0 or newer is compatible with the Cardano mainnet, which means it is possible to run a hydra-node on mainnet for testing purposes.

Before running a hydra-node to take part in the Hydra Head protocol, developers are strongly encouraged to review the known issues in the documentation in order to understand the current limitations and the possible consequences.

By using Hydra Head protocol version 0.10.0 or newer, you understand the protocol is in development and that use of the hydra-node on mainnet is entirely at your own risk.

You also acknowledge and agree to have an adequate understanding of the risks associated with use of the Hydra Head protocol version 0.10.0 or newer and that all information and materials published, distributed or otherwise made available on Hydra.Family and Hydra Github Repository is available on an ‘AS IS’ and ‘AS AVAILABLE’ basis, without any representations or warranties of any kind. All implied terms are excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law. For details, see also sections 7, 8 and 9 of the Apache 2.0 License.