The world of One Piece features four main oceans, the Red Line, and most famously, the legendary Grand Line. The Grand Line is a series of islands in a roughly straight line, running perpendicular to the Red Line, and only the strongest and smartest pirates can survive there. Even Don Krieg and his fleet of pirate ships returned from the Grand Line in ragged shape.

RELATED: 10 Strongest Fictional Characters Luffy Can Defeat

When Monkey D. Luffy arrived at the Grand Line, he visited locations like Little Garden, Water 7, and Thriller Bark, where ordinary pirates would soon be overwhelmed. Survival in that pirate paradise calls for serious combat skills, a loyal crew, and mental fortitude and cleverness to avoid or defeat powerful rivals. Outside the One Piece universe, other anime characters stand out for being true Grand Line material because they're strong enough and practical enough to thrive there.

Pirates and ninjas aren't exactly the same thing, but the smartest and toughest pirates and ninjas still have plenty in common. In Naruto's world, Kakashi Hatake has jutsu on par with many Devil Fruits, and he's a resourceful, crafty, and unpredictable fighter too, like any Grand Line pirate.

Kakashi may not be a sailor, but he could survive on any given Grand Line island like Alabasta or Dressrosa with his formidable jutsu and his practical, clever strategies and insights. Even the Warlords of the Sea would have a tough time catching this strange rogue "pirate."

Vinland Saga has no supernatural elements like magic or haki, but characters like Thorfinn's father Thors are tough enough to make it in One Piece's unforgiving world. If Thors had the potential to learn and use haki, he could even make some progress in the New World.

Thors Snorresson is a peerless fighter, being nicknamed the "Troll of Jom" thanks to his overwhelming strength and durability. Thors is also a diplomatic and wise ex-Viking who knows how to avoid pointless fighting and drive away thugs and bandits without killing them.

Rimuru Tempest stands as one of isekai's most powerful heroes of all time thanks to his unique Predator skill. Throughout That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Rimuru the slime absorbed other monsters to gain their spells and attributes, and now he's a demon lord as well.

RELATED: The 10 Strongest Anime Characters Without Supernatural Powers

Rimuru has many Devil Fruit-style powers at his disposal, and his magical strength is overwhelming even by Grand Line standards. Rimuru could easily survive any Grand Line island and convince other like-minded warriors to join him to form a new crew, perhaps called the Slime Pirates.

Tatsumaki is one of only a few One-Punch Man heroes to have actual superpowers and not just martial arts or weapons at her disposal. Tatsumaki, AKA Tornado of Terror, has psychic telekinetic powers on an awesome scale, on par with any Devil Fruit.

Tatsumaki's vast powers would make survival on the Grand Line easy, and she could fly right over any Neptunian-infested waters. She may be taken lightly because of her small stature, but any Grand Line pirate crew would soon learn to respect the tiny Tornado of Terror.

It's true that as a bare-handed martial artist, the 1980s anime hero Kenshiro would struggle against Logia-type Devil Fruit users like Captain Smoker or Ace. Otherwise, though, Fist of the North Star's hero would do well against most typical pirates and raiders found throughout the Grand Line.

RELATED: The 10 Strongest One Piece Characters (Who Can't Use Haki)

With or without learning haki, Kenshiro can devastate most Grand Line villains and can punch well above his weight with Hokuto Shinken. He can strike pressure points to incapacitate or kill almost anyone, even if they have haki or Devil Fruit powers at their command.

The Grand Line is most favorable for Devil Fruit users, but master swordsmen like Dracule Mihawk can also survive and thrive there. Mihawk can defeat almost any foe with his fearsome black blade and slice icebergs in half, and the same is true of Bleach's Captain Kenpachi Zaraki.

Kenpachi has the combat skills, bloodthirsty, and attitude needed to survive anywhere on the Grand Line, even on Jaya Island and Little Garden. He would soon be seen as Mihawk's true rival, and Mihawk himself might track Kenpachi down to see what all the fuss is about.

Only the strongest and smartest pro heroes and villains from My Hero Academia's world would thrive in the Grand Line as rogue vigilantes or pirate captains. The new #1 hero, Endeavor, could do a lot of good on the Grand Line, defending the innocent from wrathful pirate crews.

RELATED: Luffy's 15 Strongest Allies in One Piece, Ranked

Endeavor is on par with Portgas D. Ace, who was strong enough to roam the Grand Line as a division leader among the Whitebeard Pirates. No doubt Endeavor would make a name for himself blasting villainous pirate crews sky-high with his flaming powers, and the World Government might nominate him as a Warlord before long.

Berserk's rugged antihero, the mercenary Guts, has only ever known war and hardship in his life trekking across Midland. Guts may not have haki or a Devil Fruit, but he boasts immense strength, endurance, and technique that make him a one-man army with his dragon slayer sword.

Guts has the practical street smarts necessary to survive the Grand Line's many islands, and he even has experience sailing on ships. In emergencies, Guts can don his berserker armor and stand up to any Grand Line pirate, though he must be careful to not lose himself in the process.

Erza Scarlet is one of the Fairy Tail guild's strongest and most respected wizards. Like other Fairy Tail heroes, Erza relies on the power of friendship in the toughest fights, but even alone in the Grand Line, she could survive and make a name for herself.

Erza is a self-reliant and down-to-earth swordswoman wizard who can scare off thugs with a glare, and she's charismatic enough to win over new allies by her side. If Erza can't return home, she can form the Scarlet Pirates and rule the Grand Line's rough seas.

Most of the Hashira in Demon Slayer would do fairly well on the Grand Line, most of all Tengen Uzui, the sound Hashira. He's a self-sufficient and stealthy ninja-style slayer who can easily track, stalk, and ambush a target, including the Upper Moons, which gives him the edge.

Tengen is an incredibly deadly fighter, and he can escape any Grand Line foe who's even stronger than he is. Tengen could even sneak aboard a pirate or Navy ship to secure free passage to any other island without anyone even knowing he was ever there.

NEXT: One Piece: 10 Strongest Creatures, Ranked

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10 Anime Characters Who Could Survive One Piece's Grand Line - CBR - Comic Book Resources

The quirky Gemini and Cancer compatibility instantly demonstrates why it's uncommon for these two zodiac signs to make the best of friends. Gemini is the 3rd sign of the zodiac and is thought to govern the time between May 21 and approximately June 21. The outgoing butterfly of the zodiac, Gemini enjoys spending their weekends mingling with acquaintances and making new ones. On the contrary, Cancer is the 4th sign of the zodiac and is known to rule the time between June 22 and approximately July 22. The Crab is kind and empathetic as an individual who prefers to unwind at home on the weekends.

These are two zodiac signs adjacent to one another on the astrological wheel but do not share many traits. They are utterly dissimilar from one another. That being said, all of these compatibilities might not apply to everyone. A person would do anything to accommodate a particular individual in their own life, including making some healthy modifications!

Both parties will find it challenging to come to a compromise because they hold quite different expectations for a relationship. One or both partners may therefore feel lacking something in their relationship. Given the other more compatible traits in each partner's chart, the partnership might never really take off. It might rather go south very early. But that doesn't mean that they cannot be together. With understanding and genuine commitment, they can still make a good match.

This intriguing pair shares unique and peculiar tastes, which they might use as a foundation for their partnership. The fact that each of these zodiac signs has a different outlook on life can make their partnership more interesting. With Gemini, Cancer tends to push their sexual boundaries and relish the experiences that come their way.

Now, lets scroll down to find out more about their compatibility.

There will undoubtedly be turbulence when two distinct signs collide in the dating world. The two signs are ruled by the elements of air and water, which explains why they encounter so many difficulties. Their romance is nothing short of a rollercoaster. According to their personality features, one is all about the new, whereas the first revolves around the old. Cancer looks for solace in consistency and nostalgia, while Gemini is open to change, craves variety, and gets easily bored.

Gemini and Cancer will be an ongoing project in the bedroom, and many effective discussions will be required for this bond to function. Gemini is a sexually open-minded sign that does not particularly fit Cancer, who is, by essence, a romantic. It could be a while for Cancer to feel confident enough in bed to experiment. Geminis require a lot of diversity to be long-term happy, and if their wants are not met, they may decide to search elsewhere.

Gemini's carefree, autonomous, and very flamboyant attitude contrasts with Cancer's loving, caring, and domestic nature. The partnership may experience many ups and downs as a result of Gemini's flirting nature and continual socializing, which can make Cancer jealous and insecure. Both zodiac signs do not naturally make compromises. This explains why they might continually argue with one another.

When they are born into the same family, these two grow up in opposite directions. This is mainly because this air sign can be incredibly impatient. But Cancer, as a water sign is composed, patient, yearns for quality time and appreciates a life that moves slowly. Both of these sun signs might be extremely guarded and secretive. It frequently adds to their problems, and they have a turbulent household.

Since Gemini and Cancer often have dissimilar personalities, it could be difficult for the two to bond right away. The twin signs of the zodiac are quite gregarious and enjoy going out with plenty of friends, while Cancer prefers more private, emotional times with a few close pals. Whether or not they become friends, they might discover that their hobbies are simply too dissimilar. But, there is a good chance for Gemini-Cancer friendship if these two are willing to work through their numerous differences.

It is very challenging for the two co-workers to connect emotionally. Gemini can find Cancer's desire for ongoing emotional assistance in the workplace a little oppressive. Gemini tends to act carelessly and erratically. Gemini can be difficult because they tend to be more solitary creatures. In contrast, Cancer requires ongoing reassurance that any situation in the office is under control. This may irk Gemini.

It's possible that Geminis' knowledge and instincts for fostering harmony draw Cancers to them initially. Gemini's ego is often boosted by Cancer's repeated flattery. Both have strong communication skills. The crab can recall even the smallest details of any situation, and when they converse with each other, they will hold each other's attention for hours with their charm and wit.

Since this air sign is influenced by Mercury and has a limited attention span, they can easily be distracted. Cancer is a sensitive water sign that is ruled by the moon. Hence, they have trust issues. To feel completely secure in the relationship, they need time to develop sufficient trust. Gemini's tendency to get bored easily could make Cancer feel more insecure. Hopefully, these two won't have too much trouble settling issues.

Gemini needs to express their emotions more. These adjustments would likely mark the beginning of a closer understanding and greater flexibility between them. Gemini might be impetuous and unsure of themselves due to their divided nature, and Cancer must discover how to love this about them. The same goes for Gemini, who must realize that Cancer is less gregarious and understanding than they are and must be given time to adapt to their ways.

While having contrasts might make a partnership more fascinating, Gemini and Cancer might find it difficult to start dating. One difference between the twins and the crabs moral outlook is that the former value freedom in relationships. Although Cancers go on dates to find their true mate, Geminis go on dates to have adventures and meet new people, so their core values differ.

When this duo participates in shared activities, their friendship requires ongoing maintenance and care. No matter what, they must indeed never allow themselves to feel frustrated and take their kinship for granted. If they do not make an effort to keep the team spirit alive, their relationship can sour, and their cordial bond could become weak.

1. The courtliness and compliments of a Gemini make Cancer feel appreciated and cherished. While the nurturing and kind attitude of Cancer can inspire Gemini to come out of their cocoon and express themselves more.

2. Geminis may require unmatched emotional support, which Cancer can offer. Gemini can benefit from having a Cancerian spouse by slowing down and learning to appreciate each step of the journey of life.

3. Both signs are incredibly imaginative and can reach new levels of both in each other's presence.

4. When a Gemini is with a Cancer, their exuberant attitude calms down and becomes more subdued. Their concerns and trust issues fade into the background as they relax in each other's company.

5. Cancer is an excellent observer and listener. They have the propensity to recall every last detail of interactions or events, which assists them to keep Gemini amused during conversations.

6. The twins are butterflies in social situations, flitting from one blossom to another while buzzing around happy individuals looking toward the future. As long as Cancer can tolerate Gemini's outgoing temperament, their partnership is harmonious. On the other hand, Gemini feels secure in Cancer's arms.

1. In contrast to Cancers, who are highly emotional, Geminis are highly cerebral and focused on mental abilities rather than sentiments and emotions. Hence, despite the attraction, it could be difficult to transition from dating to marriage.

2. Gemini may not be able to provide Cancer with the emotional stability they require in a relationship, and as time passes, Gemini may become weary of the homebody Cancer.

3. For these two signs, finding a balance between independence and security is the biggest obstacle. Gemini struggles to comprehend Cancer's inherent insecurity, and Cancer is not amenable to Gemini's desire to flit about in order to discover something new about everyone and everything.

4. The unpredictable nature of Gemini can be challenging to manage, and Cancer's tolerance and understanding may be insufficient to keep things under control.

5. Cancers' deepest desire is to be fully present with their spouse in a loving relationship. Everything revolves around being with their lifelong partner. On the other side, Gemini yearns for a connection they can still investigate. They just don't want to feel constrained or tied down, which doesn't necessarily imply that they don't want to connect to someone.

6. Gemini is quite careless, so naturally, some problems are sure to arise, which hits the crab's sensitive heart and causes them to experience a setback. They are both, however, mature enough to deal with this without difficulty.

The twins and the crab have imaginative and creative minds. They are both dreamers and somewhat moody. Since Gemini and Cancer are ruled by the elements of air and water, respectively, they endure numerous difficulties. Gemini and Cancer don't seem to get along very well. While the initial charm may fade away quickly, and their togetherness may not always last, these two zodiacs frequently get along well when everything is new. They must balance their interests with one another's, be aware of their disparities, and work to strengthen their bond.

This pair may not develop an outstanding relationship, but the bond can certainly get stronger if the two signs work hard to take their partnership to new heights. You might not discover anything in common because these two signs are so distinct from one another. However, the intellectual compatibility of a Cancer belle and a Gemini guy resembles a mutually supportive system. The might of one can act as the impetus for another, making the relationship between a Cancer woman and a Gemini man effective. In order to build a lovely world where the two may live in harmony and fully appreciate their partnership, they need to let their creative juices run.

1. Cancers must be open to spending time conversing and delving thoroughly into any topics with Gemini. At the same time, Gemini, the linguistic genius of the zodiac, must be open to learning about the highly feminine characteristics of Cancer, such as their sensitivity and inner worlds. Because of this, they will both need to be devoted to their friendship if they want it to succeed.

2. The glamorous and imaginative Cancer will be drawn to the fun-loving Gemini the moment they first meet. The twins, on the contrary, enjoy making new friends and are curious to find out if Cancer is really as nice and understanding as they seem to be. Hence, the water sign must be patient with their air sign lover.

3. Geminis may need to open up to their Cancer bae and adapt to their pessimistic nature. At the same time, moody Cancers may need to learn to be more patient and open up so much about their mental landscape so that Geminis may "get" what they are going through emotionally.

4. Reaching a compromise will be difficult for both partners because they have quite different expectations from a relationship. As a result, one or both individuals could feel dissatisfied. These two will almost always have to cooperate for their relationship to work.

5. When it comes to being on the same page, Gemini and Cancer could struggle to communicate. Watery Cancer is a sign that feels, whereas airy Gemini is a sign that thinks. So, for their encounters to be pleasant for both of them, they might need to alter their communication strategies and come to an agreement. For this Cancer-Gemini pair to create a solid relationship, they must communicate frequently via conversation, text, and messaging. When a Cancer lover wants to tell Gemini about their day, the air sign must be an active listener as well.

6. Gemini and Cancer are two similar people that do not complement each other in most areas of their relationships. If either of the partners becomes bored with the routine, problems begin to develop in their partnership. They seek constant change, but if they stop to appreciate one another, love could blossom. These two can also revitalize the relationship by discovering new locations, engaging in novel activities together, sharing laughs, acting ridiculously, or doing pretty much anything else that brings them both joy.

7. Gemini must grasp that obligations are a part of relationships. To keep their partner happy, the air sign must be mindful of them and meet their needs. However, they must be careful not to sacrifice their privacy at the same time; for Gemini needs to be content as well. Inform the Cancerian if there are any activities you find uncomfortable, so you may choose ones you can enjoy together.

1. Nicole Kidman is a Gemini, and Tom Cruise is a Cancer. During making the 1990 film Days of Thunder, the pair became friends. The couple's emotions fluctuated, and at the year's end, they were wed.

2. Mark Herron was a Cancer, while Judy Garland was a Gemini. In 1964 at the London Palladium, Mark staged two of her performances, where they first met. Judy was still married when their intense relationship started. Yet soon after her divorce, in 1965, the couple wed in Las Vegas.

3. Wallis Simpson was a Gemini, and Edward VIII was a Cancer. In 1931, they initially connected at a party.

The Gemini and Cancer compatibility study indeed proves that Cancer will be drawn to Gemini's warmth, amicable nature, and sense of humor when they first meet. It further indicates that the crabs docile nature and old-world charm will beguile the twins. They'll enjoy how relaxed the crab is around them as well. Nonetheless, Gemini is the kind of mate that Cancer's friends will probably advise them to avoid.

ALSO READ:Aries And Cancer Compatibility: Friendship, Marriage, And More

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Gemini And Cancer Compatibility: Love, Marriage, Family, And More - PINKVILLA

Tool are so influential to us rock and metal fans that it's easy to forget the band can be an acquired taste for some. For example, on the newWTF With Marc Maron, comedianMarc Maronlaid out why he doesn't likeTool's music though he's friendly with the band.

The episode from Thursday (March 23), which centered on a talk with comedian Nick Youssef, finds Maron recalling his separate run-ins with Tool singerMaynard James Keenan and Tool guitarist Adam Jones.

But Maron explained howhefeelslikehe lost hischance to enjoyTool's musicbecause he didn't find out about the band until later on in life. Yet the funnyman, actor and podcast host still made a connection to Tool's comedic gestures. (Listen to the episode down toward the bottom of this post.)

READ MORE: Marc Maron Talks to Chris Jericho About the Embarrassment of Performing for 7 People

"That shit's gotta be planted young, dude," Maron tells Youssef of his distaste forTool's music. "If it wasn't planted in my weird, angry, adolescent head. That's where it happens, but I missed all that. So, there I was, like in my 40s, kind of listening to Tool. But they were comedy fans; they were [Bill] Hicks fans. There's a painting of Hicks on one of their records."

Affirming the references to Hicks on Tool's 1996 album, nima an image of the late comedian in one nima panel calls him another dead hero Youssef adds, "They have a clip of his stand-up [on the album]. That's how, weirdly, I found out about Hicks."

Maron interviewed Keenan in 2013. "We had an extensive conversation about parrots," Maron remembers. "He used to work at a pet store. I wasn't a huge Tool guy but I got the opportunity to interview him, so we ended up talking about pet stores and parrots."

Plus,"I sat next to their guitar player at AEW [Wrestling]," Maron adds before Youssef confirmed it wasJones.

"We had a nice thing, buthe knew who I was," Maron says of the encounter. "Someone DMed me like, 'That's the guy from Tool next to you.' And I'm like, alright, well I can't be like, 'I liked Oculus,' or whatever I don't know. What's the albums' names?"

Youssef responded that he was likely thinking of 2001's Lateralus. And when he asked Maron if meeting the Tool members made him appreciate their music more, Maron answered no. Hear the episode below.

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Marc Maron Explains Why He Doesn't Like Tool - Classic Rock 96.1

HAPI Labs has launched a platform for reporting scam- and crime-related addresses, in partnership with Ukraines cyber police.

Scamfari OSINT, currently in beta mode, allows users to report cryptocurrency wallets related to scams, sanctions violations, terrorism financing and other crimes. The project is supported by Ukraines cyber police, which will work on freezing such wallets, the agency announced on Monday.

HAPI, a crypto startup working on cybersecurity tools for decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, previously ran two-week-long contests asking people to find and report crypto wallets related to fraud and other crimes, with a special focus on the money pro-Russian volunteers raise to help Russian troops invading Ukraine. Users who report the most wallets get rewards in HAPIs own token, but only if the reports are approved by the firms team and are really linked to some kind of crime.

This week, another week-long contest went live. Even after this season is over, the hunting for criminal crypto will not stop but continue on a new website.

It works like this: A user signs up via a Telegram bot, fills out a form and submits a blockchain address and a screenshot proof that the address is being used for criminal purposes.

Then, two HAPI staffers manually check whether reports contain truthful and relevant data, then either approve or reject them. After a report is approved the reporter is assigned a reward in HAPIs own tokens, which are now trading around $13 each: $1 for a new address in the database, 10 cents for an address previously reported and $5 for an address related to a sanctioned person or entity, HAPI head of research Mark Letsyuk told CoinDesk.

For now, rewards are being distributed manually every two weeks, but in future HAPI wants to automate the reward distribution using smart contracts. The community might also have a vote soon as to whether to replace the HAPI token with a stablecoin as a reward, Letsyuk said.

Many people in Ukraine lost their jobs [because of the war] and some made several hundred dollars during the past season, he said. In these times, its good money. Now, people want to try and do it on a regular basis.

He added that since Scamfari OSINT launched in beta last week, over 15,000 addresses have been submitted, including the wallets raising funds for Russian mercenaries fighting in Ukraine.

In the future, HAPI is considering using AI to automate report approval, too, Letsyuk said: Were now feeding the reports we get to the [latest AI product by OpenAI] GPT-4 it looks very raw at this point, but promising. Not trying to catch some hype here, but we believe that it can be helpful in the near future.

The Ukrainian cyber police, in it announcement, underscored it will be looking particularly for wallets linked to financing Russian troops invading Ukraine. According to CoinDesks own investigation, such accounts have raised at least $1.8 million for ammunition, vehicles and other supplies for the troops since the beginning of the war. The Binance crypto exchange has said the number could be as high as $7.2 million.

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This Ukrainian Startup Is Looking to Automate Crypto Crime Reporting Using Smart Contracts, AI - CoinDesk

Source: Wit Olszweski

Ripples native cryptocurrency XRP made solid gains earlier this week gaining more than 20% in the last 24 hours and is currently trading at $0.4581 with a market cap of $23.3 billion. As per the latest development, the XRP Ledger is currently on the cusp of a major paradigm shift related to smart contracts.

Currently, the XRPL development team is working on a smart contracts feature dubbed Hooks and will integrate it into XRPL transactions. This is currently in development by the XRPL Labs and shall provide additional basic functionality on the base layer.

Furthermore, Peersyst is working on an EVM sidechain that would change the ecosystems course and shall go live in 2023. As a result, the XRP EVM sidechain will be able to do computing at par with other chains like Solana and Ethereum that support smart contracts.

Last year in June 2022, Ripple developers also proposed the XLS-30d standard for a native automated market maker (AMM). The devNet AMM is already operational and the proposal is in the draft. This particular AMM standard emphasizes on DeFi and expands the financial options available to liquidity providers.

Even though XRPL is open source, the XRPL Foundation and XRPL Labs have been the major contributors to the platforms development. Furthermore, Ripple also supports the growth of ecosystem services either through its own initiatives or by offering grants to other ecosystem-related companies.

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As we know, the XRP Ledger uses the Proof-of-Association (PoA) consensus model also dubbed Federated Byzantine Consensus Protocol. Each node within the PoA network has to create a list of trusted nodes to consult while seeking consensus.

Ripple calls this list of trusted nodes a Unique Node List (UNL). Thus, to take part in the consensus, a validator first needs to earn the trust of other nodes and it cannot rely alone on financial resources. A node not having the trust of the other nodes wont be a part of the UNL and thus, wont have any influence over the system. Also, the PoA system wont require a lot of hardware thus bringing down the operations and electricity costs.

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However, the downside to PoA is that it cannot punish the bad actors. This is because PoA isnt constrained by large capital or large outside costs. Also, the nodes can be moved out of the UNL in retribution and the validator links could be broken.

In other news, the latest developments in the Ripple vs SEC case shows that the case is coming to a conclusion with chances of Ripple winning. This was precisely the reason that the XRP price shot up by more than 20% in the last 24 hours.

Crypto News Flash does not endorse and is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or other materials on this page. Readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to cryptocurrencies. Crypto News Flash is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned.

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Ripple's XRP Ledger on the cusp of major upgrade that could propel it to be the go-to network for smart contracts - Crypto News Flash

Hiro's Hosted Development Environment Makes It Easy to Experiment with Bitcoin Layers

NEW YORK, March 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiro, the developer tools company for Bitcoin layers, today announced the launch of the Hiro Platform, a hosted development environment that enables the creation and deployment of Bitcoin smart contracts directly from a web browser and without the need for any software installations. By dramatically simplifying the developer experience, the Hiro Platform opens the door to more developers who want to build on the original and most secure blockchain.

With the Hiro Platform, developers can streamline their workflows with a convenient, ready-to-use development environment. They can access a wide range of ready-made smart contract examples for popular Web3 use cases, such as Bitcoin NFTs and trustless swaps between Stacks and Ordinals and Stacks and Lightning. These smart contracts are written in Clarity, the main programming language for Stacks, which is the smart contract layer for Bitcoin.

The Hiro Platform reduces context switching for developers, who can quickly discover smart contracts, clone examples, customize them, or simply deploy as is. Experienced users can also create and refine their own custom smart contracts, with all of their code saved in one convenient cloud-based location. Developers have the option to push their code to GitHub from the Hiro Platform, making it easy to collaborate with team members. The Hiro Platform also comes with pre-installed tools such as VS Code, Git, Clarity for VS Code, and Clarinet, which means developers can go from contract conception to mainnet deployment faster than you can say "Satoshi."

"The Hiro Platform not only increases developer productivity but also reduces the friction in deploying smart contracts on Bitcoin layers, ultimately driving the growth and adoption of decentralized applications," said Alex Miller, CEO of Hiro. "This comes at a crucial moment as excitement for building on Bitcoin reaches an all-time high."

The platform guides developers through the smart contract development and deployment process, whether they are new to Clarity smart contracts or seasoned experts. The Hiro Platform makes it easy to get started and scale by letting developers build, unit-test, debug, and deploy all from a web browser.

For more information on the Hiro Platform, please visit hiro.so/platform.

About Hiro

Hiro builds developer tools that bring Web3 to Bitcoin. Hiro's platform and suite of tools unlock the full potential of Bitcoin through smart contracts, digital assets, and decentralized applications. For more information, please visit: https://www.hiro.so/

Press Contact[emailprotected]

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Introducing the Hiro Platform: The First Complete Developer ... - PR Newswire

Behind every phenomenal blockchain protocol stands one concept smart contracts. These are the backbone of blockchain systems, allowing users to carry out transactions once specific requirements are met. As these conditions can be set up at will, smart contracts facilitate automatic transactions between two parties.

Although smart contracts are now mostly associated with blockchain systems, they actually date back to 1994, far beyond the foundation of the first blockchain ecosystem, Bitcoin. In 1994, Nick Szabo proposed the concept of smart contracts, defining them as transaction protocols that execute the specific terms outlined in the contract.

Since then, smart contracts have spread across many industries. With the success that theyve brought to blockchain systems, many are now proposing alternative uses in distinct industries. For example, smart contracts are now seen in industries like supply chain management, the music industry, and even voting in elections.

In this article, well examine smart contracts, demonstrating why theyre such a useful tool for businesses and how companies like Metatime are pushing their utility even further than what was once thought possible. Lets dive right into it.

At their core, smart contracts are simply an agreement between parties. If one party delivers a good, the other then releases the payment. By automating this process, both parties are able to put their trust in the system, as the autonomous connection will only occur if both hold up their end of the deal.

Beyond their central concept, smart contracts have become so popular due to three core reasons:

Smart contracts have been incredibly effective within the world of blockchain, having constructed a multi-billion dollar financial industry due to how efficient, accurate, and useful they are.

Yet, blockchain is far from the only industry that were seeing an uptake in smart contract usage in.

While smart contracts have primarily found their footing in the world of blockchain, this is far from the only industry where they can be put to use. Especially after the monumental success of the blockchain industry, which is largely underpinned by financial movements facilitated by smart contracts, other industries are now turning to this space.

Industries across the globe are looking at smart contracts as a way of revolutionizing how payment takes place. 68% of workers across America are impacted by wage theft, when a small part of their paycheck is skimmed away from them. If smart contracts were used, workers that put in their hours would be rewarded directly with what they were owed, removing the ability for middle management to enact wage theft.

This is also seen within any exchange deal, such as property, mortgages, retail, or general finance. By ensuring that parties must complete their end of the smart contract for a payment or product to be released, this would revolutionize how peer-to-peer payments are run. As weve already seen in blockchain, this technology is wildly useful, and could be put to use in any industry that deals with finances, trading, or exchanges.

Another exciting use of smart contracts would be due to their immutable nature. Within voting elections, the ability to have a ledger-protected record of how each person voted would create a definite history of a voting event. Instead of counting votes in person, this could bring the modern voting system into the digital age, vastly boosting voter turnout and protecting democracy against voter fraud.

One blockchain company, Metatime, is attempting to push the utility of smart contracts, expanding their utility to encompass entire industries. This would take peer-to-peer transactions to a whole new level, radically boosting the potential of where smart contracts could be used. Their strategy would allow contracts to be created between entire communities, not just 1-1.

Metatime is currently in its first phase of private funding, having launched its private token sale on the third of march. Although described as a private event, Metatime is committed to building up its community, opening their event out to absolutely anyone that wants a part of the Web 3 of tomorrow that theyre building.

Smart contracts have astounding utility, and with the additional capabilities that Metatime intends to install, the possibilities could truly be endless for this exciting technology.

Smart contracts are an incredibly powerful technology that have now been around for nearly three decades. Over this time, their central utility has expanded greatly, now being a core part of some of the worlds largest industries. That said, the core offering of what smart contracts can do for businesses and platforms hasnt changed radically over this time.

Companies like Metatime are proposing more advanced blockchain-based smart contract functionality. Their vision, combined with the increased demand across various industries, could turn into a new center force for the production and distribution of smart contracts. Even despite these advanced, the central utility and functionality of smart contracts will be around long into the future.

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The Future of the Smart Contract Industry - ZyCrypto

Welcome to the exciting world of crypto! If youre interested in the cryptocurrency space, then youve probably heard of Ethereum, the second-largest blockchain network after Bitcoin. Ethereum is a platform that enables developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts using its programming language Solidity.

One of the most important features of Ethereum is its ability to support custom tokens, which are assets that represent value or utility and can be used in various ways within dApps and smart contracts. ERC-20 is the most common token standard used on the Ethereum blockchain, and it has completely revolutionized the way we think about digital assets. Lets explore everything about ERC-20 tokens.

ERC-20 is a token standard on the Ethereum blockchain that defines the basic functionality of a token. At its core, ERC-20 is a set of six functions that a token smart contract must implement in order to comply with the standard. These functions include:

Implementing these functions will make ERC-20 tokens easily integrated into dApps and smart contracts, making them versatile and useful. For example, a dApp could use an ERC-20 token as a reward for completing certain tasks or as a means of payment for goods and services.

ERC-20 tokens are also fungible, meaning that each token is interchangeable with another token of the same type and value. This makes it easy to trade and exchange on cryptocurrency exchanges.

Now that weve covered what ERC-20 is and its basic functions, lets inspect how ERC-20 tokens work and their technical implementation, especially now that Ethereum has transitioned Proof-of-Stake (PoS).

A developer programs an ERC-20 token as a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain. A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code. Smart contracts enable trusted transactions and agreements to be carried out automatically with no intermediaries, which makes them a key feature of the Ethereum blockchain.

When a developer creates an ERC-20 token, they create a smart contract that follows the ERC-20 standard. They deploy this smart contract on the Ethereum network, and users can interact with it using their Ethereum wallet.

One of the key features of ERC-20 tokens is their fungibility. Because all ERC-20 tokens follow the same standard, users can easily exchange and trade them with each other.

To create an ERC-20 token, a developer must first write the code for the tokens smart contract.

This code includes the six functions required by the ERC-20 standard, as well as any additional features or functionality that the developer wants to include.

The developer launches the smart contract on an Ethereum testnet, such as Sepolia, after writing the code. This process requires paying a fee in Ether, which is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain. The developer pays a gas fee to the nodes on the Ethereum network that process the transaction.

Now that Ethereum has transitioned to Proof-of-Stake (PoS), deploying and interacting with ERC-20 tokens has become more efficient and cost-effective. The random selection process for validators, based on the amount of Ether they hold and have staked as collateral, eliminates the need for miners to solve complex mathematical problems in the Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. This means that the network can process transactions more quickly and with lower fees.

One challenge of ERC-20 tokens is their scalability. Because each transaction on the Ethereum network requires paying a gas fee, high network traffic can cause fees to explode, making it expensive to transfer tokens. To address this challenge, Ethereum is continuously improving its infrastructure and exploring new solutions, such as layer-2 scaling and sharding.

Now that weve explored how ERC-20 tokens work and their technical implementation, lets inspect why ERC-20 tokens are important and their impact on the broader blockchain industry.

ERC-20 tokens are important because they enable the creation and growth of decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. dApps and DeFi platforms leverage the capabilities of blockchain technology to create new types of financial services that are decentralized, transparent, and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

ERC-20 tokens are a key component of these platforms, as they enable developers to create custom assets that can be used within dApps and smart contracts. For example, an ERC-20 token could be used as a reward for completing certain tasks within a dApp, or as a means of payment for goods and services within a DeFi platform.

ERC-20 tokens also enable new forms of fundraising, such as token generation event, where a project can raise funds by selling its tokens to investors. This has led to a proliferation of new projects and startups, some of which have become very successful.

Another important aspect of ERC-20 tokens is their fungibility, because they are identical in terms of their specifications and properties, and they can be exchanged for one another without any loss of value or functionality. For example, one DAI token is interchangeable with any other DAI token, regardless of who owns it or how it was acquired.

This fungibility is achieved through the ERC-20 standard, which defines a set of rules and functions for creating and issuing tokens on the Ethereum blockchain. These rules ensure that all tokens created using the standard have the same properties and functionality, allowing them to be exchanged for one another on a one-to-one basis.

The fungibility of ERC-20 tokens is important because it enables them to be used as a medium of exchange, store of value, or unit of account. For example, a business can use ERC-20 tokens to pay suppliers or employees, or an individual can use them to purchase goods or services from a merchant. In each case, the fungibility of the tokens ensures that they can be exchanged without any loss of value or functionality.

ERC-20 tokens have had a significant impact on the blockchain industry and are poised to continue playing a key role in the future of decentralized finance and applications. As blockchain platforms continue to evolve and innovate, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the world of ERC-20 tokens.

While ERC-20 tokens have enabled a wide range of exciting new possibilities for innovation and decentralized finance, there are still some challenges and limitations that must be considered.

One of the biggest challenges of ERC-20 tokens is scalability. As the popularity of the Ethereum network has grown, so has the number of transactions and smart contracts that are executed on the network. This can result in congestion and higher fees, which can make it difficult for some users to interact with ERC-20 tokens in a cost-effective manner.

Another challenge of ERC-20 tokens is security. Smart contracts are vulnerable to a wide range of security risks, such as coding errors or vulnerabilities. These risks can be exacerbated in the case of ERC-20 tokens, where millions of dollars worth of value may be at stake.

To help mitigate these risks, the Ethereum community has developed a number of best practices and standards for smart contract development. Additionally, tools such as formal verification and auditing can be used to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities before they become a problem.

ERC-20 tokens are also subject to regulatory challenges. While blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, its decentralized nature can make it difficult for regulators to monitor and control. As a result, governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate the use of blockchain technology, including ERC-20 tokens.

ERC-20 tokens have revolutionized the blockchain industry by enabling the creation of custom assets that can be used within decentralized applications and smart contracts. Their interoperability, ease of creation, and versatility have led to a proliferation of new projects and startups, many of which have become very successful. ERC-20 tokens are likely to remain an important and influential part of the blockchain landscape. They will continue to enable exciting new possibilities for decentralized finance and applications, and will play a key role in driving innovation and growth in this rapidly-changing field.

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How Can ERC-20 Tokens Enable Smart Contracts on the Ethereum ... - Cryptopolitan

As the countdown to the Arbitrum (ARB) token airdrop continues, crypto enthusiasts on Twitter are abuzz with speculation about its listing price. While the community is busy forecasting the price trajectory and benchmarking against other Layer-2s on Ethereum (ETH), several major crypto platforms have proudly announced their plans to list ARB.

With the airdrop just around the corner, investors and traders are eagerly anticipating the listing of the new ARB token on various crypto platforms. This article provides an in-depth look at the confirmed listing venues where enthusiasts can acquire ARB tokens after the March 23 airdrop, exploring what each platform has to offer.

Following the official announcement of the Arbitrum token airdrop on March 16, Huobi and MEXC wasted no time in revealing their plans to list ARB, and were the first to announce their listing on March 17.

Both platforms have confirmed that ARB will be listed for trading on March 23 the same day as the airdrop. The token will be traded in pairs with USDT, and on Huobi, it will also be possible to trade against USDD.

Coinbases upcoming list of ARB tokens is highly anticipated and appreciated by U.S.-based traders and investors. As one of the leading trusted exchanges in the United States, the listing of ARB could spark a big uptick in the nations crypto market.

As more platforms began to announce their listings of the ARB token, the anticipation around Binance potentially listing the token intensified, leading to increased speculation within the crypto community. To no ones surprise, Binance announced on March 20 that it would be listing the ARB token, further fueling the hype around this highly sought-after governance token.

With Binance being one of the largest global exchanges, its listing of ARB is expected to bring increased liquidity and exposure to the token, potentially propelling its value to new heights. Binance is scheduled to list the token on March 23 with listing pairs against both BTC and USDT.

In the wake of these major announcements, XGo.com is the latest venue to confirm the addition of ARB to its list of supported assets. The token will go live on the XGo platform on March 23 with listing pairs against USDT.

In addition to this announcement from XGo, several other platforms have confirmed its listing over the last few days. Other exchanges that have done so include OKX, Bybit and many more.

The growing anticipation surrounding the ARB token launch signals the crypto communitys eagerness to embrace innovative solutions within the Ethereum ecosystem. As various platforms confirm their support for ARB, investors and traders can expect a diverse range of options to acquire the token post-airdrop. The future is bright for the Arbitrum ecosystem, and the unfolding Layer-2 wars promise to bring about exciting developments in the world of blockchain technology.

Arbitrum is a highly-anticipated Layer-2 scaling solution built on top of the Ethereum blockchain, designed to improve the networks overall scalability, speed and efficiency. Developed by Offchain Labs, Arbitrum employs a unique combination of Optimistic Rollups and secure smart contracts to enable faster and cheaper transactions while maintaining the security and decentralization inherent in the Ethereum network. By leveraging these innovative technologies, Arbitrum aims to alleviate the congestion and high transaction fees that have long plagued Ethereum, thus making decentralized applications (DApps) more accessible and practical for everyday use.

One of the main reasons Arbitrum is gaining significant attention in the crypto space is its potential to revolutionize the way developers build and deploy DApps on the Ethereum network. With its enhanced scalability, Arbitrum allows for more complex and sophisticated smart contracts that can power a wide range of applications, from decentralized finance platforms to NFT marketplaces. Moreover, Arbitrums compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine ensures that developers can seamlessly migrate their existing DApps and smart contracts to the platform without having to learn new programming languages or rewrite their code.

Disclaimer. Cointelegraph does not endorse any content or product on this page. While we aim at providing you with all important information that we could obtain, readers should do their own research before taking any actions related to the company and carry full responsibility for their decisions, nor can this article be considered as investment advice.

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Which venues will list the upcoming ARB token dropping on March 23? - Cointelegraph

As states slowly embrace decentralized autonomous organizations as a new method of corporate governance and reckon with the potential impacts of blockchain technology, a handful are on a path to legally recognizing DAOs.

The Utah State Legislature passed a bill earlier this month to provide DAOs with legal recognition and limited liability, calling them Utah LLDs, similar to limited liability companies (LLCs), which is how private companies are traditionally structured in the United States. The bill now heads to Republican Gov. Spencer Cox for his signature or veto.

Favored by fans of cryptocurrency, DAOs do not have a central authority like traditional businesses, which are typically governed by a board of directors and C-level executives who are responsible for decisions. Instead, power is distributed to individual members of the DAOwho own digital tokens to be participants and who make decisions and cast votes as a collective. DAOs have been hailed as a more bottom-up, democratic method of corporate governance.

All votes and activity of a DAO are posted on a blockchain and so are publicly viewable. DAOs have been formed to streamline cryptocurrency transactions, but they can also facilitate smart contracts and other decentralized business decisions.

Utah would be one of a small minority of states so far to recognize DAOs as legal entities. Vermont was the first to do so in 2018, when lawmakers created a specialized entity known as a blockchain-based limited liability company. Then Wyoming and Tennessee followed suit with regulations of their own to accommodate DAOs in business law.

Meanwhile, New Hampshires Commission on Cryptocurrencies and Digital Assets recommended in its own report this year that the state offer limited liability protections to DAOs.

The embrace of DAOs from Utah lawmakers comes as states look at the possibilities of blockchain and how to attract businesses that take advantage of the technology.

State governments are still in the early educational stages of learning about blockchain, said Miles Fuller, head of government solutions at tax compliance software company TaxBit. You have some people, particularly state legislatures, that see this as the wave of the future, a technological infrastructure that can be very beneficial to society.

Fuller added that states are less concerned about blockchains use for cryptocurrency and more about how the technology can become the backbone for better transparency and less friction in transactions between people and at the state level.

Other states interested in blockchains potential are also exploring the potential of DAOs. In its report on the technology last year, the Texas Work Group on Blockchain Matters called on the state legislature to avoid crafting entity-specific laws for DAOs, so as to recognize the significant flexibility of DAOs and not reduce the entity options available to them.

In an interview at the time, Carla Reyes, the work groups chair, said DAOs could flatten the governance structure and make production more profitable for the people involved. For example, it could help incentivize artists, who traditionally have had low returns on their investment, she said.

A Wyoming DAO known as American CryptoFed, the first to be legally recognized in the state and the nation, hit an obstacle earlier this year when it became the subject of an enforcement action by the Securities and Exchange Commission after it tried to register its two tokens. Company officials reportedly said they are not concerned about the SECs action.

Interestingly, Wyoming was the first state to enact a law creating LLCs, when it did so in 1977 based on plans designed by the Hamilton Brothers Oil Company. LLCs were slow to catch on nationwide due to questions from the IRS over how they would be treated in federal tax law. By 1996, every state had its own LLC law.

Fuller said the growth of DAOs at the state level is moving faster than the expansion of LLCs did, partly because the blockchain technology that underpins DAOs is a shiny object that legislators believe could have powerful value. He also noted that lawmakers may see DAOs structure as aligning with the evolving cultural values for our citizenry that they want more engagement directly with management and more transparent corporate decision-making.

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States recognizing DAOs as they embrace blockchain - GCN.com