Hyperledger Burrow is a permissioned blockchain framework developed by Monax Industries, now known as Hyperledger Burrow. This open-source project is part of the larger Hyperledger initiative by the Linux Foundation, aimed at creating enterprise-grade blockchain solutions for various industries. Hyperledger Burrow is designed to provide a flexible, secure and high-performance platform for building decentralized applications (Dapps) and smart contracts. In this article, we will delve deeper into Hyperledger Burrow and understand its features, use cases, and how it compares to other blockchain frameworks.
1. Introduction to Hyperledger Burrow
What is Hyperledger Burrow?
Hyperledger Burrow is an enterprise-grade permissioned blockchain framework that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts. It was initially developed by Monax Industries in 2014, but in 2016, it was donated to the Hyperledger project under the Linux Foundation. The framework is written in Go language and supports both Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and WebAssembly (WASM) smart contract engines. It is built on top of Tendermint Core, a byzantine fault-tolerant (BFT) consensus engine, which ensures the security and integrity of the network.
How does Hyperledger Burrow work?
Hyperledger Burrow uses a permissioned architecture, which means that participants must be given permission to join the network and access data and resources. This allows for better control and privacy, making it suitable for enterprise use cases. The framework uses a modular design, with different components responsible for specific tasks such as consensus, virtual machine, and client interface. Smart contracts are written in higher-level languages like Solidity, and then compiled to EVM or WASM bytecode for execution on the network.
What are the key features of Hyperledger Burrow?
- Permissioned architecture: As mentioned earlier, Hyperledger Burrow has a permissioned design, which allows for better control and privacy.
- Byzantine fault-tolerant (BFT) consensus: The framework uses Tendermint Core, a BFT consensus engine, to ensure the security and integrity of the network.
- Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): Hyperledger Burrow supports EVM, making it compatible with existing Ethereum applications and tools.
- WebAssembly (WASM) support: Hyperledger Burrow also supports WASM, offering developers more flexibility in terms of programming languages.
- Modular design: The framework has a modular design, making it easy to add new features and functionalities.
- High performance: With its BFT consensus algorithm, Hyperledger Burrow can achieve high throughput and low latency, making it suitable for enterprise use cases.
2. Use Cases of Hyperledger Burrow
Enterprise blockchain solutions
Hyperledger Burrow is designed to cater to the needs of enterprises, providing them with a secure and high-performance platform for building decentralized applications and smart contracts. It is being used by companies in various industries, such as supply chain, finance, healthcare, and more, to streamline processes and reduce costs.
Supply chain management
The transparent and immutable nature of blockchain makes it ideal for supply chain management. Hyperledger Burrow can be used to track and trace products throughout the supply chain, ensuring authenticity and preventing fraud.
Financial services
Hyperledger Burrow can be used to streamline financial processes and reduce the time and costs associated with traditional systems. It can be used for trade finance, cross-border payments, and other financial transactions.
Healthcare
In the healthcare industry, sensitive patient data needs to be securely stored and accessed by authorized parties only. With Hyperledger Burrow’s permissioned architecture, healthcare providers can ensure the privacy and security of patient data while still allowing access to relevant parties.
Identity management
Hyperledger Burrow can be used for identity management, allowing individuals to have control over their own data and verify their identities without relying on third parties.
3. How does Hyperledger Burrow compare to other blockchain frameworks?
Hyperledger vs Ethereum
Hyperledger Burrow and Ethereum are both permissioned blockchain frameworks, but they differ in some key aspects. Hyperledger is designed for enterprises, whereas Ethereum is a public blockchain platform. Hyperledger Burrow offers better scalability and performance due to its BFT consensus algorithm, while Ethereum uses Proof-of-Work (PoW), which is more energy-intensive. Additionally, Hyperledger Burrow supports EVM and WASM, while Ethereum only supports EVM.
Hyperledger vs Corda
Like Hyperledger, Corda is also an enterprise-grade permissioned blockchain framework. However, Corda has a different approach to privacy, using a “need-to-know” principle where transaction information is only shared with relevant parties. Hyperledger Burrow, on the other hand, uses a permissioned architecture with access control lists (ACLs) to control who can join the network and access data.
Hyperledger vs Fabric
Hyperledger Fabric is another popular framework within the Hyperledger project that is used for building permissioned blockchain networks. Unlike Hyperledger Burrow, Fabric uses a modular architecture with multiple components responsible for different tasks, such as consensus, smart contracts, and membership services. Fabric also supports multiple languages for writing smart contracts, whereas Hyperledger Burrow currently only supports Solidity.
4. How to use Hyperledger Burrow?
To use Hyperledger Burrow, you first need to set up a node or join an existing network. You can do this by installing the Burrow software and connecting to a network or creating your own network. Once connected, you can deploy smart contracts and interact with them using the client interface provided by the framework. Hyperledger Burrow also has extensive documentation and tutorials to help users get started.
5. Examples of Hyperledger Burrow in action
- In the supply chain industry, Nestlé is using Hyperledger Burrow to track and trace products from farm to shelf, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
- In the healthcare industry, Change Healthcare is utilizing Hyperledger Burrow for identity management, allowing patients to have control over their data and verify their identities securely.
- In the financial sector, Visa B2B Connect is using Hyperledger Burrow for cross-border payments, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional systems.
6. Advices for using Hyperledger Burrow
- Familiarize yourself with blockchain technology and smart contracts before using Hyperledger Burrow.
- Keep your node up to date with the latest software updates and security patches.
- Ensure proper access control and privacy measures are in place.
- Take advantage of the extensive documentation and support provided by the Hyperledger community.
- Consider using third-party tools and services for easier development and deployment.
FAQs
Q: Is Hyperledger Burrow the same as Ethereum?
A: No, although both frameworks support EVM, they have different design principles and target different use cases.
Q: Can Hyperledger Burrow be used for public networks?
A: No, Hyperledger Burrow is designed for permissioned networks within enterprises.
Q: What programming languages does Hyperledger Burrow support?
A: Hyperledger Burrow supports Solidity, as well as any language that can compile to EVM or WASM bytecode.
Q: Is Hyperledger Burrow free to use?
A: Yes, Hyperledger Burrow is open-source and free to use under the Apache License 2.0.
Q: Can I deploy existing Ethereum contracts on Hyperledger Burrow?
A: Yes, you can deploy existing Ethereum contracts on Hyperledger Burrow, but some adjustments may be required due to differences in the frameworks.
Conclusion
Hyperledger Burrow is a powerful permissioned blockchain framework that offers high performance and flexibility for building Dapps and smart contracts. It has various use cases in industries such as supply chain, finance, and healthcare, and it is constantly evolving with new features and improvements. With its modular design, BFT consensus algorithm, and support for multiple programming languages, Hyperledger Burrow is well-suited for enterprises looking to leverage the potential of blockchain technology.
