Welcome to the Core Dev Bootcamp

Welcome

Watch this short intro by XRPL Commons first, then read on.

You are about to go under the hood of the XRP Ledger: build the node from source, read the code that runs it, and by the end, change the protocol itself. This short module tells you how the bootcamp works so the real content starts smoothly.

What you will build and learn

The journey has six technical phases, taken in order:

1. Run a node: compile xrpld from the rippled source and run it locally.
2. Inside rippled: the architecture, the codebase, how state is stored and how transactions are processed.
3. Cryptography: keys, hashing, signing, and the pitfalls to avoid.
4. Networking: how nodes find each other and talk.
5. Communication (RPC): how the outside world talks to a node, and how to build your own command.
6. Consensus and Extend the protocol: how the network agrees, and how amendments evolve it.

A final capstone project ties it all together: you extend the protocol end to end.

How a module works

Every module follows the same shape:

• An orientation line tells you the time budget and what it builds on.
• The content, with an "In brief" line under each section so you can skim before you dive.
• A Summary at the end recaps the ideas covered.
• A short auto-graded quiz (pass mark 75%) checks your understanding.
• Many modules add a Try it micro-lab (self-checked) or a mentor-reviewed homework.

Modules unlock in order: finish one to open the next.

What you need

• Comfort with C++, the command line, and git. You do not need prior blockchain expertise; the ledger-specific parts are explained as you go.
• A machine that can compile a large C++ project (8 GB+ RAM recommended) on macOS or Linux.
• Time: the full journey is roughly 50 hours of content plus your own experimentation. Two modules a week is a comfortable pace; one phase a week is an intensive one.

How to get help

• Use the assignment review flow to get mentor feedback on your homework.
• When you are stuck on code, the module's Resources link to the exact rippled directory or file the module talks about: read the real source, it is the ground truth.

That is everything. Head to Build & run your own xrpld node and let's compile.