Why should you use Mithril?

Mithril was developed with a focus on optimization, scalability, and interoperability. It addresses several key challenges in the blockchain ecosystem:

Challenges

• Slow node bootstrapping. Synchronizing a full Cardano node from scratch can take days, hindering user participation and development.
• Light client security and decentralization. Light clients such as wallets offer efficiency but often rely on centralized and trusted third parties for data, compromising security and decentralization.
• Layer 2 interaction. Layer 2 solutions designed to enhance scalability need efficient methods to verify their state and interact with the main chain without requiring validator nodes to run a full Cardano node.

Solutions

Mithril addresses these challenges through its stake-based threshold multi-signature (STM) scheme. This approach allows for efficient and secure verification of blockchain data without the need to run a full node, thereby improving scalability and accessibility.

Here's how Mithril provides solutions:

• Fast bootstrapping. Mithril enables the rapid setup of a full Cardano node in under 20 minutes by providing certified snapshots of the Cardano database. These snapshots can be quickly verified using the multi-signature scheme.
• Secure and efficient data exchange for lightweight applications. Lightweight applications such as wallets can leverage Mithril to verify transaction data associated with specific addresses without relying on third parties or running a full node. This maintains decentralization and security while offering greater efficiency.
• Support for layer 2 solutions. Mithril allows lightweight verification of the state and transactions of layer 2 solutions, improving their interaction with the main chain. For example, it can verify the stake of validator nodes in a bridge.