Jack Dorsey-backed Lightning Dev Kit releases simpler kit for running node
Quick Take
- Lightning Dev Kit released a simplified implementation of a Lightning node.
- The project is run by Jack Dorsey’s Spiral.
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Lightning Dev Kit, the Bitcoin-focused project run by Jack Dorsey's Spiral, released a library for a simplified Lightning node implementation called LDK Node.
Similar to its full Lightning developer kit (LDK), the new implementation enables developers to run a full Lightning node — but this version is much more streamlined to work with.
"While LDK’s high level of customization is great for builders, it is also significantly more complex. LDK Node is a lightweight solution," said Lightning Dev Kit on Twitter.
Lightning Dev Kit said the new library has only 30 exposed API methods, compared to the original kit's 900. That said, it argued it's still complex enough for a variety of use-cases, particularly focused on mobile.
"This is only the beginning for LDK Node. Development for the next release has already started," it added.
The Lightning network is a second layer built on top of the primary Bitcoin network that allows for faster and cheaper transactions.
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