Cheap blockchain computation is now a reality with LiquidApps’ vCPU, an EOS scaling solution that promises to slash the cost of on-chain resources. The horizontal scaling method which vCPU utilizes preserves blockchain integrity by harnessing DAPP Service Providers (DSPs) to perform computation off-chain.
LiquidApps’ vCPU breakthrough could lead to exponential growth in the power of decentralized computation, with a minimal extra burden on the base layer. DSPs can conduct all of the heavy computational workload required before returning the result on-chain for comparison.
Performed in parallel
With LiquidApps’ new product, multiple DSPs can be harnessed to provision virtual CPU, essentially providing parallel computation to dApp developers. Parallel computing has been a mainstay of the computing world for many years; even before the advent of multi-processor systems, single CPU computers were capable of multi-threading multiple lines of execution. Since its inception, however, blockchain computing has, by design, remained stubbornly linear, with many proposed second-layer solutions falling short of expectations or failing to materialize at all.
Now LiquidApps has squared the circle of parallel computing with blockchain, deploying it to solve the problem of rising resource costs on EOS. With vCPU, it is possible for any dApp to allocate specific tasks to any DSP they wish. In the case of larger jobs, these can be broken down into smaller constituent elements and worked on by a number of DSPs before being combined and checked on-chain.
Evading the blockchain trilemma
One of the limiting factors with attempting to scale vertically on the base layer of blockchains has been the trade-offs in security and decentralization it entails. The pressure this places on validators to add extra capacity on-chain runs the risk of undermining decentralization, as the requirements to become a BP increase accordingly. It’s basically the same problem that Bitcoin has been struggling with for years: bigger blocks allow for more throughput, but the increased hardware requirements lead to a reduction in full nodes.
Another advantage of vCPU, LiquidApps claims, is that the level of decentralization required can be configured to suit the specific needs of the project, putting the power and decision-making process directly into the hands of the development team. DApp developers will also be able to choose the level of trustlessness and transparency which best suits them, setting it low for gaming dApps, higher for gambling dApps that need to demonstrate provably fair gaming, and higher still for defi applications.
A big move in the blockchain scaling game
In order to demonstrate the efficacy of vCPU, LiquidApps has released LiquidChess, a proof of concept dApp which operates on the EOS blockchain. In LiquidChess, each move is recorded on-chain, with the game mechanics assessed by the DSP. The off-chain computing works out whether the move was legal, whether the king is in danger, and whether the game has been won by any player. The results of these assessments are then checked with the recorded move on-chain for verification.
To blockchain proponents, the benefits of decentralized apps may seem obvious, but for the mainstream to be converted, dApps must also have the same usability and speed as traditional applications. With LiquidApps’ vCPU, as demonstrated by LiquidChess, that reality is now a step closer.
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