Network Profile: Stellar

Overview

Stellar (and its native token XLM) - a beacon of financial inclusion and seamless cross-border transactions in the blockchain universe. Stellar isn’t merely another blockchain identity; it epitomizes the bridging of traditional banking with the decentralized world, ensuring quick and affordable monetary transactions across nations.

Propelling the revolution of decentralized financial platforms, Stellar has been tailored with an architecture that emphasizes instant cross-border transactions and low costs. This framework, coupled with an enduring network of nodes and anchors, has lured developers and enterprises globally. With its dedication to accessibility, interoperability, and affordability, Stellar is forging an exceptional trajectory in the decentralized financial realm.

History

Stellar, an innovative platform celebrated for its capabilities in enabling seamless and low-cost cross-border transactions, was birthed in 2014 by Jed McCaleb. Drawing inspiration from his profound experience in the cryptocurrency domain, having co-founded Ripple, Jed envisioned a blockchain that would bridge the divide between disparate financial systems, making monetary transfers quick and affordable.

Stellar's inception was spearheaded by a blend of adept developers and visionaries dedicated to financial inclusion. The network was formally launched in July 2014. Setting itself apart from its contemporaries, Stellar emphasized simplicity, inclusivity, and ultra-low-cost transactions, capitalizing on a unique consensus protocol.

Frequently hailed as the "cross-border champion" in the blockchain sphere, Stellar's methodology has intrigued developers and financial institutions across the globe, eager to leverage a platform that promises financial inclusivity without forsaking decentralization. As the years have unfolded, Stellar has consistently risen to prominence, establishing itself as one of the leading and groundbreaking blockchain platforms in the sector.

Coin Market Cap

Coindesk

Account Based Model: Stellar's Framework

Stellar, similar to other blockchains, incorporates an account-based model, but with its distinct characteristics tailored for seamless financial transactions.

Stellar utilizes an account-based approach, setting it apart from the UTXO model observed in platforms like Bitcoin. In Stellar, the state of the blockchain is depicted by an assortment of accounts. These accounts primarily focus on recording balances and operations related to the native token, XLM, and other assets issued on the network, ensuring simplicity and efficiency for cross-border transactions.

Regular Accounts: Comparable to user accounts in other blockchains, they denote individual user accounts possessing a balance of XLM, Stellar's native currency. Governed by private keys, transactions stemming from these accounts generally pertain to transferring XLM or partaking in various operations, such as setting up trustlines or making offers on Stellar's decentralized exchange.

Asset Accounts: Instead of typical "contract accounts" seen in platforms like Ethereum, Stellar introduces a more straightforward mechanism for issuing assets. These accounts can issue or hold different assets. When an asset account interacts with regular accounts, it facilitates operations like payments, or asset trades, based on the pre-defined attributes of the asset.

Circle & USDC on Stellar

One of the notable examples of mainstream financial institutions leveraging the Stellar network is Circle with its stablecoin, USDC. USDC, which stands for USD Coin, represents a 1:1 peg to the US dollar, offering a digital version that combines the advantages of cryptocurrency with the stability of fiat currency. Circle, recognizing the potential of Stellar's infrastructure, has made USDC operate natively on Stellar. This integration has not only provided users with fast and low-cost transactions but has also expanded Stellar's utility as a hub for stablecoins and cross-border transactions.

Why Build on Stellar?

Inclusive Financial Operations: Stellar is crafted for financial inclusivity, making it a preferred choice for projects that aim to bridge the unbanked or underbanked population with modern financial systems.
Integrated Decentralized Exchange (DEX): Stellar comes with an in-built decentralized exchange, enabling developers to build applications that can directly facilitate asset trades without relying on external exchanges.
Multi-Currency Transactions: Stellar's unique consensus protocol allows for seamless multi-currency transactions. Users can quickly send one currency and have the recipient receive another, with conversion happening through Stellar's DEX.
Streamlined Asset Issuance: Issuing assets on Stellar is a straightforward process, enabling organizations and developers to tokenize and distribute virtually anything, from traditional fiat currencies to more niche tokens.
Developer-Friendly: Stellar provides a range of developer tools, documentation, and SDKs that simplify the process of building applications. This extensive support accelerates development cycles and reduces the entry barrier for newcomers.