Welcome to the fourth edition of Komodo Compass, a monthly primer covering the developments in and around Komodo and the larger crypto ecosystem we’re building with you!
This newsletter offers a guide to Komodo stakeholders by gathering the resources they may need. It highlights recent developments, ecosystem insights, food for thought, and more!
In this edition ⤵️
- February Progress
- Quotes from Kadan
- A Day in the Life of a Komodo Team Member
- Contribute
- Komodo Events
- Crypto Quiz
- Historical Crypto Events
- Degen Glossary
⚙️ February Progress
KDF Team Report
1. Cosmos Staking Support Added
We've integrated full Cosmos staking functionality through new RPCs. You can now browse validators, perform delegations, initiate undelegations, and claim your staking rewards through simple RPC commands.
2. Real-Time Updates, No Polling Required
Our new event streaming system delivers instant notifications for all real-time events directly to your client. This system:
- Replaces manual polling with efficient push notifications
- Allows you to control exactly which updates you receive
- Conserves resources by only running necessary background tasks
- Simplifies setup with dynamic API configuration
3. Enhanced Network Reliability Through Time Validation
We've implemented strict time synchronization checks across our P2P network to increase trade reliability:
- Nodes with misaligned clocks are automatically prevented from connecting
- This proactively eliminates time-related swap failures
- Network integrity is maintained by enforcing consistent time standards
4. Future-Proof Protocol Versioning
Our new versioning system for swap protocols creates a foundation for continuous improvement:
- New protocol features can be rolled out without disrupting existing functionality
- All legacy swaps continue working seamlessly
- Updates can be introduced with minimal user impact
- The trading system can evolve while maintaining backward compatibility
Core Team Report
1. Security Review of Komodo DeFi Framework (KDF) and Security Enhancements
In February, the team focused on conducting a security review of the latest changes in the Komodo DeFi Framework (KDF), which is the Rust-based core of Komodo Wallet. The review targeted improvements in seed management (generation, storage, encryption/decryption) and new RPC methods for seed handling and multi-wallet support.
2. Security Review of Komodo Wallet
In addition to KDF, the Komodo Wallet components underwent security review, including:
- Komodo DeFi Framework SDK (Flutter/Dart)
- Komodo Wallet Source Code (Flutter/Dart)
- Component Interactions
3. Komodo Core Daemon (komodod) Upgrades and New Library Integrations
The team completed the migration to librustzcash 0.2.0 (Pull Request #94).
Key Updates:
- BLAKE2b functions previously sourced from libsodium were replaced with the Rust crate blake2b_simd.
- Build System Integration:
- Adapting these changes to the existing build system was challenging.
- Performance and stability tests are currently underway.
- Once testing is complete, the changes will be merged into KomodoOcean, followed by integration into the official KomodoPlatform (komodod) repository.
GUI Team Report
Komodo Wallet (mobile) has been re-published, and v0.9.2 is live on iOS!
Until we launch new updated mobile apps on the web codebase, current Komodo Wallet (mobile) users should switch to Komodo Wallet (web) for continued support.
Click to read the announcement
Listed Coins
The following cryptocurrencies were added to Komodo Wallet (mobile) with the v0.9.2 release. SHIC, KCN, and LCN were also added to Komodo Wallet (web).
Shibacoin (SHIC)
Shiba Coin (SHIC) is a Dogecoin fork, layer 1, Scrypt-based cryptocurrency designed for simplicity, community engagement, and fun. Built by DOGE enthusiasts for the Shibainu community and all the other Degens.
Kylacoin (KCN)
Kylacoin is a cryptocurrency designed to act as money and a form of payment system outside the control of a person or a group, that operates free of any central control or the oversight of banks or governments.
Lyncoin (LCN)
Lyncoin is an open-source P2P currency and a payment network based on blockchain with an auxiliary Proof-of-Work chain type and using the Flex hash algorithm.
ZDEEX
ZDEEX is a privacy-focused decentralized blockchain. The codebase is based on Hush, Komodo, and Zcash 2.0.
💭 Quotes from Kadan Stadelmann
“...A similar scenario would play out today, with Bitcoin falling precipitously but catching a bid ahead of other risky commodities thanks partly to its inelastic nature…”
Komodo CTO Kadan Stadelmann shared his opinion in an article about the Bitcoin market crash on crypto.news.
🎙️ Creating Your Own Path: Nitride's Story of Tech, Transformation, and Taking Chances
My journey from a twelve-year-old programming enthusiast to leading the GUI team at Komodo shows that success in tech isn't about following a conventional path. Despite my early interest in coding, I initially ignored my friends' advice that IT was my calling and pursued medicine instead.
My route wasn't straightforward – I dropped out of university twice and spent time in a psychiatric ward. But these weren't setbacks; they were essential steps in finding my way. The turning point came when I made the difficult decision to completely step away from gaming to focus on finding direction in my life.
This decision marked the beginning of my dedicated journey into software engineering. Through self-study, persistence, and learning from countless mistakes, I gradually mastered my craft. The tech industry proved perfect for me, offering unlimited opportunities for innovation while valuing individual contribution over traditional credentials.
Now at Komodo, I work at the cutting edge of decentralized crypto technology, leading a team that constantly pushes boundaries. We don't just solve problems – we innovate solutions that reshape the industry. As someone who's part of both the LGBTQ+ and furry communities, I've found that the tech industry provides a space where I can be authentic while pursuing excellence.
My story emphasizes that success in technology isn't about natural talent or following a predetermined path – it's about persistence, hard work, and the courage to forge your own way. The tools for transformation are more accessible than ever. With just a laptop and internet connection, anyone can transform their life through technology. Success isn't reserved for the naturally gifted – it's available to anyone willing to put in the work and believe in possibilities, even when others might not see them yet.
🍻 Contribute
A section on how the community can contribute to Komodo.
For Developers:
- Please check our GitHub issue tickets
- Choose one to work on
- Solve the issue or open a Pull Request (PR)
- We'll review from there (successful/solid contributions can almost guarantee a position or freelance work)
For Community Members:
- Visit the #contribute channel on Komodo's Discord Server
- Engage with our social media platforms
- Help spread the word about Komodo
- Create content related to Komodo
🕺 Events
🐉 Komodo Events
Town Hall
In January, we held our fourth Town Hall series meeting. It was our most attended event to date, as we covered crucial topics like regulations and DEX features. Did you miss it?
Read the summary now
TaskOn
We joined forces with TaskOn to launch a marketing campaign with a $20,000 prize pool, including a $500 USDT prize. The recent campaign has ended, but we’ll continue to run campaigns via TaskOn.
🛫 Conferences
We're proud to be a Sapphire Sponsor at the Blockchain Forum 2025 in Moscow. The event will take place on April 23-24, 2025.
Get your early tickets
🧩 Crypto Quiz
A fun crossword puzzle that tests Komodo and general crypto knowledge.
1- Solve it
2- Join our Discord
3- Share the answer at #general
🤯 Historical Crypto Events
First Bitcoin ATM (May 2013)
The first Bitcoin ATM was installed in Vancouver, Canada, in October 2013. Since then, Bitcoin ATMs have become increasingly common, with thousands of machines now available worldwide.
These ATMs enable users to conduct Bitcoin-related transactions, primarily converting Bitcoin to cash and vice versa. They are typically internet-connected machines that allow users to buy or sell Bitcoin using cash, a debit card, or a cryptocurrency wallet.
Bitcoin ATMs were designed to offer a convenient, fast, and familiar way for people to engage with the crypto market. However, they often come with high transaction fees, so it's advisable to compare rates before using one.
📖 Degen Glossary
A detailed explanation of a few crypto terms in each issue.
APE
As a noun, it refers to Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs. As a verb, it refers to “apeing” into something, which is buying a lot of something on a whim or without doing much research beforehand. Degens love “apeing” into different projects.
DIAMOND HANDS
Refers to someone who has high-risk tolerance for high volatility assets. Diamond Hands don’t make panic decisions despite market volatility.
Be a Komodian!
We’ve never been more confident that the Crypto movement will drive the future of society. It has never been a more exciting point to get involved in Komodo and seize the DeFi.
If you are committed to DeFi and are interested in collaborating with or getting involved in Komodo, join our Discord now, and let’s connect!
🕸 Site | 📄 Docs | 💬 Discord | 💭 Telegram | 🐤 Twitter |