Ripple’s XRPL, the major software development company behind the XRP ledger, announced the rollout of Hooks Builder. The Hooks Builder is a web-based development environment that enables developers to test, debug and deploy Layer-1 smart contracts on the XRP ledger.
In a tweet, Wietse Wind, an XRP Ledger developer, said,
“One of the biggest things for the XRP Ledger (but I’m biased). Today, the world can build ‘layer 1’ smart contracts on the XRP ledger, with our now published browser-based ‘Hooks Builder,’”
In addition, Ripple’s attorney, John Deaton, shed light on the XRPL’s growth. Consequently, he noted that XRP Ledger has a testnet that allows for smart contracts to be built by community developers, apart from just Ripple’s.
Hooks Builder Testnet v2
The XRPL development team has been working on this update for two years. It has always been a part of their plan to enable smart contract functionality on the XRPL. For those who might be confused, XRPL is the blockchain built by Ripple company.
In July 2020, Ripple released a blog post with details on the Hooks Builder, and since then, it has been developing as fast as possible to ensure its successful launch. Ripple has had perpetual clashes with SEC, which might have slowed down the release of the Hooks Builder.
In 2021, the first version of the Hooks Builder Testnet was completed and became functional, prompting further development into Testnet v2. XRPL Labs will also partner with Equilibrium, a blockchain gaming company. Equilibrium is focused on developing games on the XRPL blockchain.
With the Hooks Builder, a developer can control transaction behavior and flow. Additionally, developers can write XRPL smart contracts in any programming language, bringing more flexibility to smart contracts deployment on the XRPL.
Ripple will be entering the DeFi game soon.

Vincent Munene is a freelance writer and a great blockchain enthusiast. Blockchain has changed his life in terms of financial freedom and in return, he likes to educate people and keep them up to date on everything blockchain. He is a Biochemist by profession and also loves to play the piano.