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Djed Whitepaper Explanation

#102

Djed is a crypto-backed algorithmic stablecoin that maintains price stability through a reserve of cryptocurrencies and automated smart contract mechanisms.

Djed Introduction

Djed is an innovative algorithmic stablecoin designed to maintain price stability by being pegged to a target price through a reserve of cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional stablecoins backed by fiat, Djed leverages a crypto-backed reserve to automatically execute stabilization measures via smart contracts. This autonomous bank-like system mints and burns stablecoins and reservecoins to keep the stablecoin’s value constant. The primary aim is to offer a stable, transparent, and reliable stablecoin unaffected by trust issues and inefficient stabilization measures common in fiat-backed alternatives.

Part 1: Djed Whitepaper Review

Disclosure: This part is strictly limited to an overview of the whitepaper and maintains an objective tone. Neither external knowledge nor comparisons with other cryptocurrencies are expected (unless introduced in the whitepaper). "Part 2" of this explanation will provide a more relatable explanation considering the external knowledge.

  • Author: Joachim Zahnentferner, Dmytro Kaidalov, Jean-Frédéric Etienne, Javier Díaz
  • Type: Technical
  • Tone: Neutral, Objective
  • Publication date: August 17, 2021

Description: What Does Djed Do?

Djed is a crypto-backed algorithmic stablecoin protocol that functions similarly to an autonomous bank. It maintains a reserve of BaseCoins (BCs) and mints or burns StableCoins (SCs) and ReserveCoins (RCs) to stabilize the SCs' value to a target price. The protocol aims to keep the SCs pegged to their target price by adjusting the supply through buying and selling SCs, accumulating fees in the reserve, and distributing the revenue to RC holders.

The methodology involves a simplified version called Minimal Djed and a more complex version called Extended Djed. Minimal Djed focuses on stability, safety, and security but has some minor issues. Extended Djed addresses these issues with added complexity but retains the core principles. The whitepaper also includes formal verification through model checking and interactive theorem proving techniques to ensure stability.

Problem: Why Djed Is Being Developed?

Djed is developed to address the transparency and reliability issues encountered with fiat-backed stablecoins. These traditional stablecoins often require trust in the entities managing the reserves, which can lead to skepticism and inefficiency, as seen with Tether (USDT).

Current solutions, such as fiat-backed stablecoins, suffer from a lack of transparency and unreliable stabilization measures. Djed's approach of using a public blockchain for backing assets and implementing stabilization mechanisms via smart contracts aims to eliminate these issues, providing a more transparent and reliable stablecoin.

Use Cases

  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Djed can be used in DeFi applications as a stable medium of exchange.
  • Remittances: Providing a stable value for cross-border transactions.
  • Hedging: Users can hedge against cryptocurrency volatility by holding Djed stablecoins.

How Does Djed Work?

Djed consists of several components: a reserve of BaseCoins, StableCoins, and ReserveCoins. The reserve is used to buy back SCs to maintain their peg. The protocol charges fees for these transactions, which are accumulated in the reserve and benefit RC holders.

  1. Components:

    • BaseCoins (BCs): Cryptocurrency held in reserve.
    • StableCoins (SCs): Coins pegged to a target price.
    • ReserveCoins (RCs): Coins that provide reserve support and earn fees.
  2. Operation:

    • Initialization: Set initial reserve and peg parameters.
    • Minting SCs: Users buy SCs using BCs, increasing the reserve.
    • Burning SCs: Users sell SCs back to the reserve, reducing the supply.
    • Minting RCs: Users buy RCs to support the reserve.
    • Burning RCs: Users sell RCs, decreasing reserve support.
    • Fee Collection: Fees from transactions are collected in the reserve.

Technical Details

Djed utilizes a public blockchain and implements stabilization via smart contracts. The stability properties are mathematically proven and verified using model checking and interactive theorem proving.

  • Blockchain: Public blockchain.
  • Consensus Mechanism: Not specified.
  • Innovations: Dual versions (Minimal and Extended Djed), formal verification techniques.

Key technologies:

  • Minimal Djed: Simple, intuitive design with basic stability features.
  • Extended Djed: Addresses minor issues in Minimal Djed with additional complexity.
  • Formal Verification: Ensures stability through model checking and theorem proving.

Djed Tokenomics: Token Utility & Distribution

Djed uses two types of tokens: StableCoins (SCs) and ReserveCoins (RCs). SCs are used within the ecosystem for transactions and maintaining the peg. RCs provide reserve support and earn transaction fees.

  • Token Utility: SCs for stable transactions; RCs for reserve support and fee earnings.
  • Distribution and Allocation: Not specified.

Key Djed Characteristics

Djed aligns with core blockchain characteristics through its design and functionalities.

  • Decentralization: Yes, operates on a public blockchain.
  • Anonymity and Privacy: Not specified.
  • Security: Uses cryptographic methods and formal verification.
  • Transparency: Yes, reserves and transactions are transparent on the blockchain.
  • Immutability: Not specified.
  • Scalability: Not specified.
  • Supply Control: Yes, dynamic supply of SCs and RCs.
  • Interoperability: Not specified.

Glossary

  • Key Terms: Djed, StableCoins, ReserveCoins, BaseCoins, Minimal Djed, Extended Djed, Reserve Ratio, Liabilities, Equity, Formal Verification, Model Checking, Interactive Theorem Proving, Peg Maintenance.
  • Other Terms: Fiat-backed, Stabilization Mechanisms, Smart Contracts, Public Blockchain, Target Price, Reserve Support, Transaction Fees, Market Making, Algorithmic Stablecoin.

Part 2: Djed Analysis, Explanation and Examples

Disclosure: This part may involve biased conclusions, external facts, and vague statements because it assumes not only the whitepaper but also the external knowledge. It maintains a conversational tone. Its purpose is to broaden understanding outside of the whitepaper and connect more dots by using examples, comparisons, and conclusions. We encourage you to confirm this information using the whitepaper or the project's official sources.

Djed Whitepaper Analysis

The Djed whitepaper is a comprehensive technical document that outlines the algorithmic stablecoin's design, objectives, and formal verification methods. It explains the use of a crypto-backed reserve to maintain the stability of SCs through smart contracts. The whitepaper also compares Djed to other stablecoins, highlighting its unique approach and potential advantages.

The document appears to be free from major errors or distortions. It provides detailed mathematical proofs and formal verification to support its claims. However, some areas, such as the consensus mechanism and specific implementation details, are not thoroughly covered.

What Djed Is Like?

Non-crypto examples:

  • Central Bank: Like a central bank, Djed manages the supply of currency (SCs) to maintain its value.
  • Insurance Company: Similar to an insurance company, RC holders take on risk and earn fees in return for supporting the reserve.

Crypto examples:

  • DAI: Both are stablecoins, but DAI uses collateralized loans while Djed uses a crypto-backed reserve.
  • Ampleforth: Both adjust supply to maintain a stable value, but Djed uses a reserve and formal verification.

Djed Unique Features & Key Concepts

  • Crypto-backed Reserve: Uses cryptocurrency in reserve rather than fiat.
  • Automatic Stabilization: Smart contracts automate buying and selling to maintain the peg.
  • Formal Verification: Stability claims are mathematically proven and verified.
  • Dual Versions: Minimal Djed for simplicity and Extended Djed for added stability.
  • Transparent Reserves: Public blockchain ensures transparency of reserves.

Critical Analysis & Red Flags

Djed's design is innovative and well-supported by formal verification. However, potential challenges include the complexity of Extended Djed and the reliance on a volatile cryptocurrency reserve. The whitepaper addresses these issues but does not provide exhaustive implementation details.

Red flags include the lack of specific information on the consensus mechanism and some details being overly technical for a broader audience. Additionally, the economic model's reliance on RC holders' incentives may pose risks during extreme market conditions.

Djed Updates and Progress Since Whitepaper Release

  • Implementation in Solidity: Deployed on various testnets including Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, Polygon, Ethereum, and RSK.
  • Preliminary Implementation in Plutus for Cardano: Available for testing.
  • Ongoing OpenStar Implementation: For private permissioned blockchains on Cardano.

FAQs

  • What is the role of ReserveCoins (RCs)?
    • RCs provide reserve support and earn transaction fees.
  • How does Djed maintain its peg?
    • By automatically buying and selling SCs using a crypto-backed reserve.
  • What is the difference between Minimal Djed and Extended Djed?
    • Minimal Djed is simpler, while Extended Djed addresses additional stability issues.
  • How are stability claims verified?
    • Through formal methods like model checking and interactive theorem proving.
  • What happens if the reserve ratio falls below one?
    • The system limits certain transactions to prevent reserve depletion.

Takeaways

  • Crypto-backed Algorithmic Stablecoin: Djed uses a reserve of cryptocurrencies to maintain stablecoin value.
  • Autonomous Bank Mechanism: Functions like a bank, minting and burning coins to maintain the peg.
  • Formal Verification: Stability is proven through mathematical and formal methods.
  • Dual Versions: Offers both simple (Minimal) and complex (Extended) versions for different needs.
  • Transparent and Reliable: Designed to overcome trust issues with fiat-backed stablecoins.

What's next?

To learn more about Djed or similar projects, explore its formal verification methods and testnet implementations. Delve deeper into the economic models of other algorithmic stablecoins for a broader understanding.

We would love to hear your thoughts on Djed! Share your opinions and join the discussion on its potential and challenges.

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