Songbird
Songbird is a sandbox test network for the Flare blockchain where developers may create and experiment with their decentralized applications before integrating them into the network.
Both Songbird and Flare are blockchain projects that can make tokens like XRP work with decentralized apps even if they don't have smart contracts (dapps). Songbird makes it possible to connect two blockchains in a secure and decentralized manner, allowing for greater liquidity and data sharing across decentralized finance (DeFi) apps.
Songbird was established by Hugo Philion (CEO), Sean Rowan (CTO), and Nairi Usher (Chief Scientist). The three co-founders met while they were students at University College London. Songbird's development team began work on Flare in August 2017 and formed their company two years later in 2019. The Songbird test network went live two years later, in September 2021.
Songbird (SGB) seeks to solve a wide variety of problems. The network was used to test new features before they are released on the Flare main net. This method helps to improve stability and security for users. Additionally, it helps to increase confidence in the Flare ecosystem. This procedure establishes a network of testers to aid creators in enhancing their creations.
Lack of Programmability: Songbird offers smart contract functionality for blockchains of the first generation. Bitcoin and other projects entered the market before smart contract technology was available. Songbird enables well-known projects such as Ripple (XRP), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Bitcoin (BTC) to provide developers the chance to build on their blockchains. Notably, 65% of blockchains on the market right now don't support advanced smart contracts. Songbird provides a necessary service for these networks.
Potential Losses: Losing FLR tokens is another problem that Songbird helps solve. Users of Flare can be confident that their FLR is not being used to test protocols. Instead, SGB tokens provide this essential function. This method helps FLR token holders learn about Flare protocols.
Turing-Complete: A Turing-complete machine is one that can solve any solvable problem or equation. The Songbird virtual computer, which is based on the Ethereum virtual machine, can support smart contract-based apps operating on Songbird. The incompatible tokens indicated above are regarded as Turing incomplete.
Federated Byzantine Agreement (FBA): Songbird's network establishes consensus by selecting trusted nodes inside the system to validate transactions. This method is used by other blockchains, including Ripple and Stellar, as it optimizes scalability and reduces transaction fees.
SGB is the native cryptocurrency of Songbird. One of its primary use cases is governance. SGB is important for evaluating the governance-driven functionality of the Flare ecosystem. Flare governance suggestions can come from two places: the Flare Foundation and the user community. If a proposal originates from the Foundation, it is directly voted on via the Flare network.
Aside from governance, SGB can also be utilized as a testing ground within Songbird's major apps and services — FTSO, State Connector, and F-Asset systems. Thus, users who wish to use the Flare network can test out the services without putting their FLR coins at risk while earning SGB coins.
DATE NEWS/EVENTS IMPACT 07/05/2022 TerraUSD and LUNA both collapsed, and as a result, a number of crypto platforms folded in the aftermath -47% Decrease 28/10/2021 Binance will help the Songbird (SGB) airdrop program for XRP (XRP) holders +22% Increase 29/09/2021 Flare's Canary Network Songbird clears the Observation Stage +87% Increase
Songbird's future will be mainly determined by the type of canary network it builds over time. It may fall into obscurity after advanced testing is complete, and the Flare ecosystem is fully operational. But, like Kusama/Polkadot, Songbird could continue to grow and create its own unique and rich ecosystem, independent of Flare. The Flare team may see the value in actively supporting Songbird as its own long-term network if they keep a watch on the Kusama/Polkadot ecosystem.
