XRP Ledger (XRPL)
The open-source blockchain that XRP runs on, settling transactions by validator consensus rather than mining.
The XRP Ledger is a public blockchain that closes a new ledger version every three to five seconds. Instead of miners competing on hash power, a set of independently operated validators agree on which transactions to include.
The ledger has payments, a decentralised exchange, an automated market maker, issued currencies, escrow and NFTs built into the protocol itself rather than layered on as smart contracts.
Related terms
Consensus
The process by which XRP Ledger validators agree on the order and outcome of transactions.
Validator
A server that participates in XRP Ledger consensus by proposing and voting on transaction sets.
Amendment
A protocol change that activates only after sustained supermajority support from validators.