> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.litho.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.litho.ai/docs/developers/overview.md). # Developer Overview Lithosphere is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain platform designed for cross-chain decentralized applications, privacy-preserving smart contracts, and the LEP100 multi-chain token standard. This overview covers the project structure, packages, design philosophy, and a reading guide for different audiences. *** ## Monorepo Structure The Lithosphere codebase is organized as a monorepo managed with pnpm workspaces and Turborepo. The top-level layout is as follows: ``` lithosphere/ ├── api/ # GraphQL API server ├── indexer/ # Blockchain event indexer ├── contracts/ # Smart contracts (Solidity) ├── web/ # Next.js frontend application ├── packages/ │ ├── blockchain-core/ # Core blockchain SDK & utilities │ ├── create-litho-app/ # CLI tool for scaffolding projects │ └── docs/ # Documentation & technical specs ├── infra/ # Infrastructure as Code & monitoring ├── scripts/ # Deployment & utility scripts └── templates/ # Project templates for developers ``` Each directory serves a distinct role in the development lifecycle, from smart contract authoring through deployment and monitoring. *** ## Packages and Applications ### Applications | Package | Description | Key Technologies | | -------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | | **@lithosphere/api** | GraphQL API server for blockchain data querying, smart contract interactions, and real-time event subscriptions | Express.js, Apollo Server | | **@lithosphere/indexer** | Blockchain event indexer that processes on-chain events and exposes a GraphQL schema for efficient querying; powers the API backend | GraphQL, PostgreSQL | | **@lithosphere/contracts** | Smart contracts including LITHO (native token), LEP100 (multi-chain token standard), WLITHO (wrapped token), and Lep100Access (access control) | Hardhat, Solidity 0.8.20+ | | **@lithosphere/web** | Frontend application with server-side rendering, real-time blockchain data integration, and responsive design | Next.js 14, React 18 | ### Shared Packages | Package | Description | Key Technologies | | -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | | **@lithosphere/blockchain-core** | Core SDK providing a ledger abstraction layer and consensus mechanism implementation. *Cryptographic utilities (MDKM, ring signatures) are planned but not yet implemented.* | TypeScript-first API | | **create-litho-app** | CLI tool for scaffolding new Lithosphere projects with template selection and automatic dependency setup | tsup | | **@lithosphere/docs** | Comprehensive documentation including the whitepaper, LEP100 token standard guide, architecture docs, and smart contract development guides | Markdown | *** ## Design Objectives Lithosphere was built around three core design objectives derived from research on cross-chain technology, AI, machine learning, and decentralization: ### Cross-chain Asset Transfer * Connect major digital currency networks (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum) and complete asset transactions without altering the original chains' mechanisms. * Integrate Lithosphere with consortium chains, handling asset transfers in both directions and enabling asset trading on Lithosphere itself. * Guarantee that cross-chain transactions are secure and that cross-chain transaction services are stable. ### Transaction Privacy Protection * Allow trading parties to choose whether or not to execute transactions privately. * Provide privacy protection for digital asset transfers and exchanges. * Provide holders of digital assets with anonymous protection through ring signatures and one-time accounts. *(Planned — ring signature and one-time account modules are on the development roadmap.)* ### Functional Extensibility * Serve as a decentralized platform for trading non-fungible assets and digital currencies. * Operate deposit and lending services for multiple digital currencies. * Enable the creation and exchange of novel digital financial assets. *** ## Reading Guide ### For Developers The recommended reading path for developers building on the Lithosphere platform: 1. **Whitepaper** -- Understand the vision and high-level design of the Lithosphere network. 2. [**LEP100 Token Standard**](https://github.com/KaJLabs/lithosphere/blob/main/docs/developers/developers/lep100-standard.md) -- Learn the multi-chain token standard that underpins all Lithosphere tokens. 3. **Architecture Overview** -- Study the architectural decisions, consensus model (LinBFT), and cryptographic primitives (MDKM). 4. [**Smart Contracts**](https://github.com/KaJLabs/lithosphere/blob/main/docs/developers/developers/smart-contracts.md) -- Dive into smart contract development, multi-triggering mechanisms, and DeFi patterns. 5. [**API & SDK**](https://github.com/KaJLabs/lithosphere/blob/main/docs/developers/developers/api-and-sdk.md) -- Integrate with the GraphQL API and blockchain-core SDK. 6. [**CI/CD Guide**](https://github.com/KaJLabs/lithosphere/blob/main/docs/developers/developers/ci-cd-guide.md) -- Configure deployment pipelines across Local, Devnet, Staging, and Mainnet environments. ### For Researchers * Begin with the **Whitepaper** and the **LEP100 Yellowpaper** for formal specifications. * Study **Linear Communication BFT (LinBFT)** consensus and its improvements over PBFT. * Review **Myriad Distributed Key Management (MDKM)** and elliptic curve cryptography primitives. * Explore **Cross-Chain Integration** for the Lock-in/Lock-out asset mapping model. ### For Investors * Start with the **Abstract** for the project's mission and positioning. * Read **Tokenomics** and **Roadmap** sections for network economics and milestones. * Review **Lithosphere Products** and the **LEP100 Token Standard** for ecosystem understanding. * Study **Governance** for on-chain decision-making processes. *** ## Key Features | Feature | Description | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **LEP100 Token Standard** | Multi-chain compatible token standard supporting fungible and non-fungible tokens, time slicing, batch operations, and cross-chain exchange | | **Privacy-Preserving** | Ring signatures and locked account generation scheme provide transaction anonymity | | **DeFi Ready** | Built-in smart contracts for decentralized finance with multi-role, multi-token, and usufruct separation | | **High Performance LinBFT** | Linear Communication BFT consensus with per-block consensus, rotating leader, changing honesty model, and dynamic participant sets | | **Developer Friendly** | Comprehensive SDK, CLI scaffolding tools, GraphQL API, Ethereum compatibility, and full-stack TypeScript tooling | | **MDKM Secure** | Myriad Distributed Key Management based on distributed key generation and elliptic curve cryptography for decentralized control | *** ## Quick Start ```bash # Prerequisites: Node.js >= 20.0.0, pnpm >= 9.0.0 # Install dependencies pnpm install # Build all packages pnpm build # Run tests pnpm test # Development mode (all services) pnpm dev ``` For more detailed setup, see the [Developer Setup](/docs/quickstart/dev-setup.md) guide.