MinoTari, commonly referred to as the Tari project, is a decentralized, open-source blockchain protocol designed for the creation and management of digital assets. It operates using a unique dual-layer architecture that separates core security from high-speed application functionality. The project is built using the Rust programming language and is specifically engineered to handle complex digital assets like non-fungible tokens, tickets, and in-game items with high levels of privacy and scalability. The first layer of the network is known as Minotari. It serves as the foundation of the system and focuses on maintaining a secure, decentralized global state. This layer utilizes a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism with a hybrid mining approach. To ensure broad participation and security, the network splits its mining efforts equally between standalone mining using the SHA3x algorithm and merge-mining with Monero using the RandomX algorithm. This design allows the project to benefit from the established security of the Monero network while remaining accessible to individual miners using standard computer hardware. The second layer, often called the Digital Assets Network or the Ootle, is built to handle the heavy lifting of smart contracts and decentralized applications. It uses a sharded Byzantine Fault Tolerance consensus mechanism called Cerberus, which enables rapid transaction finality and scalability. This layer is where most user-facing activities occur, such as minting and trading assets. Technically, the project is based on the MimbleWimble protocol, which provides native privacy and helps keep the blockchain compact. It also introduces TariScript, a scripting language that allows developers to create programmable rules for digital assets. Examples of these rules include enforcing royalty payments for creators or setting expiration dates on digital tickets. The native token for the base layer is XTM. It serves as the primary incentive for miners to secure the network and is used to pay for transaction fees on the first layer. A notable feature of the ecosystem is the relationship between XTM and the second-layer token. To facilitate activities on the second layer, users burn XTM tokens at a one-to-one ratio to generate the necessary assets for the application layer. This mechanism is designed to balance the supply between the two layers based on network usage. Overall, the project aims to bridge the gap between secure, privacy-focused cryptocurrency and the high-performance needs of the modern digital asset economy. It provides tools such as a built-in application launcher within the mining software to make decentralized applications more accessible to everyday users.
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