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CLI/API Workgroup Meeting Summary​

Date: 21/05/2025 Topics/Problem statements/questions/requests:

⚙️ CLI Standardization​

  • Recent changes in the CLI have focused on standardizing output formats.
  • The output format is now prefixed with "output" (e.g., JSON, YAML).
  • This standardization aims for consistency across the CLI.
  • JSON is now the default output for query commands.

✨ New CLI Features and Deprecations​

  • CIP 129 support has been added for committee keys, DREPs, and governance actions.
  • Extended pool operator key support is now included.
  • Plutus offline cost calculation is available in the CLI.
  • GHC 8.10.7 has been deprecated.
  • This deprecation will require updating build documentation.

🔄 API Updates and Experimental API​

  • The API has received updates similar to the CLI, including CIP 129 support and the offline calculation command.
  • General refactoring and removal of dead code have been performed on the API.
  • A new experimental API is being introduced.
  • The experimental API aims to simplify the API by focusing on the current mainnet era and the upcoming experimental era, which will reduce complexity and maintenance.
  • A clear deprecation plan for the old API needs to be developed, and community input is sought for this process.

🌐 gRPC Interface for Cardano Node​

  • This interface will allow applications in various programming languages to interact with the Cardano node.
  • There's an alignment with the UTXO RPC specification by TXPipe
  • The possibility of creating a CIP to standardize it is being considered.
  • This initiative is believed to contribute to node diversity and improve cardano-node usability.

🧩 Wasm Support for Cardano API​

  • Work is ongoing to explore the creation of a JavaScript library based on the master module.
  • Popular Cardano-related browser libraries are also being assessed.
  • The Wasm effort is still in its early stages compared to the gRPC project, which has a clearer path due to defined specifications.

🗓️ Next Steps​

Mateusz Gałażyn will start working on the gRPC interface for Cardano node this or next week, following the UTXO RPC specification.