Stability on Hashgraph
Hedera has created and incorporated the key stability infrastructure that differentiates Hashgraph from other publicly distributed ledger technology platforms (DLTs). Without this, other DLTs are prone to collapse. A two-pronged approach to systemic stability will allow Hadera to pull controls for the Hashgraph platform from both a technical and legal background.
On the Technical Side
The Hashgraph network requires that new clients first review the pedigree of its ledger before use. A network node (read more on nodes here) is unable to fork the platform. This means that, for users, any copy made of the network will be immediately distinguishable from the original, valid version because its ledger will be different. Therefore, Hedera is able to ensure both the security and maintenance of their platform as well as the network which abides there.
Additionally, because of the way that Hashgraph was created, the Hedera Council is able to make alterations to network nodes. The Council is able to specify when new changes will come into effect and are able to confirm the adoption of these modifications. Because of this, when an update is released, all network nodes should simultaneously undergo an automatic update. Any node that does not, will have its software invalidated and will be unable to alter the ledger or force its acceptance throughout the rest of the network.
On the Legal Side
The platform’s codebase will be governed by the Hedera Governing Council and will be available for review with Version 1.0. Hedera will employ a defensive approach to maintain network stability by relaying on their own software patents to prevent forking. As a result, there will be no license requirements necessary to use the platform, to write software using it, or to build smart contracts on it. Any applications created there will not need approval from Hedera and can be either open source or proprietary in nature.
By making Hashgraph’s codebase transparent, accessible, and easy to build upon, Hadera will be able to meet market demands for the technology while ensuring the stability of the network as it is publicly adopted.
The fusion of technical and legal approaches will provide the Governing Council with the tools necessary to ensure network stability. By establishing these governance and defensive measures, Hedera will not inhibit creative freedoms on the platform but will rather facilitate the broad-based adoption of this technology.
