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SHEEP Architecture Study Guide

Glossary

Term DefinitionsBlockchainA distributed database that records transaction information in chronological order. Parallel Blockchain ArchitectureA blockchain system consisting of multiple independent blockchains, each of which can process transactions in parallel. SHEEPA parallel blockchain architecture developed by Kadena LLC that aims to solve the throughput problem of existing PoW systems while maintaining the decentralized nature of the system. Proof of Work (PoW)A consensus mechanism that requires nodes to perform a large amount of computational work to gain the right to add new blocks. Merkle RootThe root hash of a Merkle tree that can be used to verify the integrity of transactions in a block. Degree (d)The number of other blockchain Merkle roots that each blockchain includes in its block hash. Diameter (A)The maximum number of hops required to construct a Merkle verification proof from one blockchain to another in a parallel blockchain network. Merkle ConeThe future Merkle cone of a block, which defines the number of blocks that a double-spending attacker needs to mine to replace the block. Bounded Asynchronous AdvanceA mechanism used to ensure that all blockchains in a parallel blockchain network are within d blocks of each other. Smart ContractA self-executing contract stored on a blockchain, whose terms are written in code. Cryptochart A smart contract that supports arbitrary governance mechanisms. A smart contract programming language developed by PactKadena LLC that coordinates asynchronous sequential execution of confidential transactions. Oracle An entity that provides external data to smart contracts. Short Answer Question

Explain how the SHEEP architecture solves the throughput problem of PoW systems.

The SHEEP architecture improves the throughput of PoW systems by running multiple blockchains in parallel. Each blockchain can process transactions independently, thereby increasing the overall transaction processing speed.

What role does the Merkle root play in the SHEEP architecture?

The Merkle root is used to verify the integrity of transactions in each block and is used to connect different blockchains together to build Merkle proofs of cross-chain transactions.

What are "degree" and "diameter"? How do they affect the security of SHEEP?

"Degree" refers to the number of other blockchain Merkle roots that each blockchain includes in its block hash, and "diameter" refers to the maximum number of hops required to build a Merkle verification proof from one blockchain to another in a network of parallel blockchains. Higher degree and smaller diameter can improve the security of the network because it makes it more difficult for attackers to perform double-spending attacks.

What is "bounded asynchronous advancement" and why is it important to SHEEP?

"Bounded asynchronous advancement" is a mechanism for ensuring that all blockchains in a network of parallel blockchains are within d blocks of each other. This is important to prevent some blockchains from getting too far ahead of others and thus compromising the security of the network.

What are the main features of the Pact language? How is it different from other smart contract languages?

The Pact language is an interpreted language for writing smart contracts that supports formal verification, which can improve the security of contracts. Pact also supports "pacts", a coroutine mechanism for coordinating the asynchronous sequential execution of confidential transactions.

What is a "keyset" in Pact? How is it used to authorize transactions?

A "keyset" is a set of public keys associated with a Pact contract and defines the rules for authorizing transactions, such as: only one matching key is required, all keys need to match, or a majority of keys need to match, etc.

Explain how the Pact language simplifies the creation of oracles.

The Pact language simplifies the creation of oracles by providing a "pact" mechanism. "pacts" allow developers to define multi-step interactions, making it easier to securely integrate external data into smart contracts.

Describe how cross-chain transactions are performed in the SHEEP architecture.

Cross-chain transactions are performed by creating corresponding transaction records on different blockchains. For example, deleting a token on one blockchain and creating the same amount of tokens on another blockchain. Merkle proofs are used to verify the validity of cross-chain transactions.

Explain how the SHEEP architecture supports the governance of smart contracts.

The SHEEP architecture supports the governance of smart contracts through "crypto charters". "Crypto charters" are special smart contracts that define the rules for managing and upgrading the underlying contracts.

What are the advantages of the SHEEP architecture over traditional single-chain blockchain architectures?

The SHEEP architecture has advantages over traditional single-chain blockchain architectures such as higher throughput, higher security, and more flexible governance mechanisms.

Essay questions

Analyze the security of the SHEEP architecture in detail. Discuss how different parameters (such as degree, diameter, and Merkle cone size) affect the overall security of the network.

Compare and contrast the Pact language with other smart contract languages ​​(such as Solidity or Vyper). Focus on their functionality, security, and ease of use for developers.

Explain the concept of "pact" and its role in the Pact language. Discuss how "pact" facilitates the development of more complex and secure smart contracts.

Explore the pros and cons of building decentralized applications on the SHEEP architecture. Compare it to other blockchain platforms such as Ethereum or EOS.

Describe potential use cases for the SHEEP architecture. Discuss how its parallel processing capabilities, smart contract functionality, and governance mechanisms make it suitable for specific industries or applications.