Alphabetically ordered list of terms used in this repository.
Helios A next-generation blockchain designed for interchain automation, AI-powered smart contracts, and decentralized governance, enabling seamless interactions across multiple ecosystems.
Governance The process by which stakeholders and validators influence network parameters, including asset management, protocol updates, and economic incentives through proposals and voting.
Validator A node that participates in the Helios network by securing the blockchain, validating transactions, and influencing governance decisions based on their stake and reputation.
Staking The process of locking assets in the Helios network to support operations such as transaction validation and governance, while earning rewards in return.
Interchain Proof of Stake and Reputation (I-PoSR) A hybrid consensus mechanism that combines staking across multiple chains with a reputation-based model, enhancing security and decentralization.
Hyperion Modules Modular components that facilitate cross-chain interactions, enabling secure asset transfers and decentralized oracle functionalities within the Helios ecosystem.
Asset Weight The relative importance of an asset in the staking consensus, which can be adjusted through governance proposals to influence staking incentives and rewards.
Proposal A formal suggestion submitted by community members or validators to modify network parameters, add or remove assets, or implement upgrades, which is then voted on by stakeholders.
Community Governance A system that empowers Helios stakeholders to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that the network evolves according to the collective interests of its users.
Decentralized Applications (dApps) Applications built on the Helios blockchain that leverage its features for various use cases, including finance, gaming, and automation, while ensuring user control and security.
Cross-Chain Transactions Transactions that occur between different blockchain networks, facilitated by Helios interoperability features, allowing seamless asset movement and interaction.
Reputation Score A metric that reflects a validator’s performance and reliability, influencing their voting power and decision-making authority within the governance framework.
Helios Portal An interface within the Helios Portal that provides insights into active and past governance proposals, allowing users to track decisions and participate in the governance process.
Treasury A fund managed by the Helios Foundation that collects slashed assets from misbehaving validators, which can be used for ecosystem incentives or liquidity provision.
Developer Grants Financial support provided to developers and projects building on the Helios blockchain, aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing the ecosystem’s capabilities.
Welcome to the Helios Network HIP Book
Approved
HIPs
HDs
Review
Welcome to the Helios Network HIP Book
Approved
HIPs
HDs
Review
HIP-1: Native On-chain Cron Scheduling (Chronos Module & Precompile)
- Description: Introduce a native cron scheduling module (Chronos) with a dedicated EVM precompile, allowing developers to schedule and automate periodic tasks directly on-chain within the Helios blockchain.
- Motivation: Decentralized applications often rely on external cron scheduling services, introducing complexity, reliability concerns, and potential security risks. A native cron scheduling system provides a decentralized, secure, and developer-friendly solution.
Abstract
The Chronos module offers native cron job scheduling directly integrated into Helios blockchain through a dedicated EVM precompile, allowing for automated periodic execution of smart contract methods. This simplifies the creation and management of scheduled tasks, significantly enhancing decentralized application development.
Motivation
Blockchain applications require periodic automated execution of smart contract methods. The existing external solutions are neither fully decentralized nor optimal in terms of security and efficiency. A built-in cron scheduling mechanism ensures reliability, decentralization, and seamless integration.
Specification
Key Features
- Native Integration: Implemented as an EVM-compatible precompile (
0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000830). - Cron Job Management: Includes functionalities for creating, updating, and canceling cron jobs.
- Unique Cron Addresses: Each cron job is assigned a unique blockchain address.
- Gas Management: Users deposit funds upon cron creation, covering continuous gas consumption (set at 100 gas per block) and executions costs.
- Cron Lifecycle Events: Emits blockchain events (
CronCreated,CronModified,CronCancelled) for enhanced transparency. - Automatic Cancellation: Cron jobs are canceled automatically when their balance reaches zero or a critical error occurs during execution.
- Multiple RPC Endpoints: RPC endpoints to take a look cron(s) (querying).
Technical Implementation
- ABI provided for easy integration with popular web3 libraries such as Ethers.js.
Acceptance Criteria
- Cron tasks can be created, updated, and canceled effectively.
- Each cron task has a unique blockchain address.
- Funds deposited during cron creation accurately manage and consume gas (100 gas per block).
- Cron jobs automatically cancel upon depletion of funds or errors.
-
Lifecycle events (
CronCreated,CronModified,CronCancelled) accurately emitted. - Comprehensive unit and integration tests covering all key functionalities and edge cases.
- Detailed developer documentation provided, including setup instructions, RPC endpoints, API usage, limitations, and best practices.
- Successful cron task scheduling, execution, and lifecycle management.
- Automatic cancellation behavior clearly defined and verifiable.
- Robust documentation provided in Chronos.
- Community feedback and peer reviews adequately addressed.
Changelog
- 2025-04-14: Initiate the HIP-1
Welcome to the Helios Network HIP Book
Approved
HIPs
HDs
Review
HD-1: Chronos Module & Precompile
Feature Overview
Implement a native cron scheduling module (Chronos) along with a dedicated EVM precompile, enabling developers to schedule and automate periodic tasks directly on-chain.
Motivation
Blockchain-based applications often require periodic execution of smart contract methods. Currently, developers depend on off-chain solutions, introducing complexity and reliability concerns. A native, blockchain-integrated cron service simplifies automation and enhances the robustness and efficiency of decentralized applications.
Objectives
- Provide an intuitive, efficient, and secure way to schedule periodic smart contract interactions.
- Reduce the reliance on external cron services or centralized schedulers.
- Enhance developer experience through seamless integration with smart contracts.
Key Features
- Native Integration: Directly integrated into Helios blockchain as a precompile.
- Easy Scheduling: Simple API to schedule function calls with specified frequency, expiration, gas limits, and maximum gas price.
- Reliability: Guaranteed execution or clear state indication of failed executions.
- Security: Execution isolated within blockchain’s native security context.
- Unique Cron Addresses: Each cron job has a unique blockchain address.
- Gas Management: Upon cron creation, funds are deposited to cover gas consumption (100 gas per block to keep the cron active).
- RPC Endpoints: Multiple RPC endpoints must be created to support cron interactions and management.
- Cron Cancellation Conditions: Crons are automatically canceled when their balance reaches zero or an execution failure occurs. Remaining funds (if any) at cancellation are returned to the owner, and an event is emitted indicating cancellation.
Technical Implementation
- Dedicated EVM-compatible precompile address:
0x0000000000000000000000000000000000000830. - ABI included for straightforward integration with front-end libraries such as Ethers.js and Web3.
- Comprehensive unit and integration testing included.
Acceptance Criteria
- Ability to schedule and reliably execute cron tasks.
- Ability to update and cancel existing cron tasks.
- Cron tasks have unique blockchain addresses.
- Funds deposited at cron creation are properly managed and consumed at the rate of 100 gas per block.
- Cron tasks are automatically canceled and cleaned up when balance reaches zero or upon execution failure.
-
Events (
CronCreated,CronModified,CronCancelled) emitted accurately reflecting cron job lifecycle. - Respect of gas limits and consumption rules as defined.
- Clear and complete developer documentation.
Documentation
- Detailed developer documentation available under Chronos.