Signum Object Descriptor: Unlocking the Power of Structured Information
Signum is a decentralized blockchain platform that offers a wide range of features and applications, from cryptocurrency transactions to smart contract deployments. One of the key strengths of Signum is its flexibility, which allows developers and users to create and customize various blockchain-based solutions.
In this article, we will explore a new feature of Signum that adds even more flexibility and power to the platform — Signum Object Descriptor (SOD).
SOD is a JSON-based standard for describing structured information, including accounts, smart contracts, transactions, messages and tokens. With SOD, users can store and manage a wide range of data in a structured and organized way, making it easier to interact with the blockchain and its applications. SODs are created based on the SRC-44, which defines the JSON structure.
The basic concept of SOD
Every object can add a 1000-byte-long message on the Signum chain.
Based on this concept, it doesn´t matter if you initiate an account, send a transaction, create a token or deploy a smart contract — additional data can be added to each entity.
On top, you can create Aliases, which are data pointers to a 1000-byte-long data stack, which are changeable at any time by the owner of the Aliases. (More details here)
Having a protocol to exchange this data in a structured but flexible way was the idea of introducing a Signum Object Descriptor (SOD) on the Signum chain.
The new standard defines a JSON, which can be used to exchange the data for any application dealing with Signum chain data.
Besides many predefined tags, the JSON can always be added with customizable tags (X-tags) to add information patterns needed by those applications.
An example of a basic JSON :
{
"vs": 1,
"tp": "cex",
"nm": "Bittrex",
"ds": "World class exchange at your service",
"av": { "QmbWqxBEKC3P8tqsKc98xmWNzrzDtRLMiMPL8wBuTGsMnR": "image/gif" },
"bg": { "QmUFc4dyX7TJn5dPxp8CrcDeedoV18owTBUWApYMuF6Koc": "image/jpeg" },
"hp": "https://bittrex.com",
"sr": "^[0-9a-fA-F]{24}$",
"al": "somealias:crypto",
"xt": "QmUFc4dyX7TJn5dPxp8CrcDeedoV18owTBUWApYMuF6Koc",
"sc": ["https://twitter.com/bittrex"]
}The only mandatory field for the JSON is the version “vs” tag.
Benefits of the Signum Object Descriptor
SOD offers a range of benefits to users and developers on the Signum platform, including:
Consistency and Standardization
With SOD, users can store and manage information in a consistent and standardized way. It makes reading and understanding account information easier, particularly for third-party applications and services that rely on Signum data. Standardization also makes it easier for developers to create and maintain blockchain-based solutions that use account information.
Flexibility and Customization
SOD is a flexible standard that can also be customized to meet the needs of any use case. It makes SOD ideal for applications that require a high degree of customization and flexibility, such as NFT marketplaces, asset exchanges, and other blockchain-based solutions. Users can add custom tags and fields to the JSON structure, allowing them to store and manage a wide range of data.
Validation and Verification
SOD can provide validation and verification information for accounts and transactions. For example, SOD can specify the memos or tags required to send tokens to a particular account. It makes it easier to ensure that transactions are processed correctly and reduces the risk of errors and mistakes.
Using Signum Object Descriptor
SOD is accessible to all Signum users/scripts via a node (reading). The JSON structure is designed to be simple and easy to use, with standard tags and fields for common data types. Users can also add custom tags and fields to the structure, allowing for high customization.
Users can add JSON data to their accounts using a Signum node to get started with SOD. Third-party applications and services can also access SOD data via the Signum API, making building blockchain-based solutions that use structured account information easy.
Real-World Applications of Signum Object Descriptors
SOD is already in use by various real-world applications on the Signum platform. One example is SignumArt, an NFT marketplace that allows artists to sell their digital creations as NFTs. SignumArt uses SOD to store and manage artist information, including profile images, bios, and social media links. This information is displayed on the SignumArt website and accessed via the Signum blockchain explorer.
For instance, let’s take a look at the JSON structure used for an artist named “Treasure Hunt” on Signum Art:
{
"vs": 1;
"nm": "Treasure Hunt",
"ds": "Creating NFT Games",
"si": {
"bafkreicsbfkwcu4nltvt2n2ur6zlm45rnnsoxtzlxfgxg2eiloqicxjqlq": "image/webp"
},
"av": {
"bafkreicip434c6cpgvkgqpc7mvqzycd3ioez3i26sn63jbgbkmuxqzxi6q": "image/png"
},
"bg": {
"bafybeiaihbblmb6vkprpkyom4kkq5myie3pfknuldg5bcrtdwlcsvulica": "image/png"
},
"hp": "",
"tw": "https://twitter.com/SignaTreasure",
"sc": []
}This JSON ends up showing the data on the SignumArt portal in this way:
And also, on the Signum Explorer, the account is shown with some more details:
Web3 Identity and SOD
Another strong advantage of using the SOD is to combine it with the Alias feature on the Signum chain. Aliases are data pointers to data stacks which are changeable by their owners. On the Signumswap portal, you can create or buy an Alias and use it for your Web3 Identity by using the SOD to store the needed data. Signumswap provides a wizard for that helps users set up the data in the correct way.
Conclusion
Signum Object Descriptor is a powerful new feature that adds even more flexibility and customization options to the Signum blockchain platform. With SOD, users can store and manage structured information in a consistent and standardized way, making it easier to interact with the blockchain and its applications. SOD is already being used in various real-world applications, and we expect to see even more innovative solutions built on this powerful new standard.
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