Chromia Extensions 101

You may already know that Chromia dapps are deployed into containers, allowing developers to pay in CHR for a set amount of network resources. In return, they gain the freedom to design their own economic models, while users enjoy a smoother onboarding process and a gas-free experience.

Chromia’s relational architecture makes it easy to handle complex queries and large-scale operations, ideal for applications that need strong data capabilities beyond what typical blockchains can offer.

But what if you need something extra, like oracle support, on-chain computations, or roll-ups? Imagine adding these features as easily as picking a tool from a shelf. With the Asgard Upgrade coming in Q4, we’ll introduce support for Chromia Extensions, paving the way for an even richer ecosystem.

Introducing Chromia Extensions

In a recent AMA, Ludvig Öberg, VP of Chromia Platform Unit, described Extensions as a way for developers to “write custom code that can be added on top of Chromia.” Built on a Docker-based architecture, Extensions enable developers to add new functionality on a modular basis, while still enjoying all the capabilities and benefits of Chromia’s Core platform. Öberg explained:

"At the end of the day, what this allows is more options and more control over the thing that [developers] want to build… to develop something that is aligned with their goals."

Extensions will bring new features and capabilities, supplementing Chromia’s Core strengths and UVPs.

The Core Chromia Platform: Familiar and Powerful

The Asgard Upgrade and Extensions enhance Chromia without changing its core strengths:

Relational Blockchain Architecture: Chromia’s design is optimized for managing and querying large datasets, making it ideal for real-time applications and data-heavy workflows.
Modular Framework: Each dapp on Chromia has its own chain or collection of chains, ensuring scalability, customizability, and reduced network congestion.
Economic Model: Chromia’s model allows dapps to offer a gas-free user experience while letting projects develop their own economic structures. Chromia can also act as a data utility layer with predictable costs.

With these features, Chromia already stands out as a platform for data-intensive dapps and a decentralized infrastructure layer for Web2 and Web3 projects alike. Extensions will serve as optional modules, letting developers add specialized abilities to their applications quickly and efficiently.

Timeline for Extensions

The Q4 Asgard Upgrade will lay the foundation for Extensions, with individual modules to be developed and released in stages. Initially, Chromia’s team will develop and test Extensions internally, followed by public releases. The expected timeline for first four Extensions is as follows:

Oracle (Q4 2024)
AI Inference (Q1 2025)
Data Availability (Q1 2025)
Zero Knowledge (Q2 2025)

In the longer term, Chromia aims to empower developers to create their own Extensions and establish a marketplace where dapp builders can browse, select, and integrate the features best suited to their projects.

The more varied and unique the dapps that can be built, the greater the benefit to both Chromia users and CHR holders, as each deployment increases CHR token utility and network value. As more dapps and verticals thrive, network effects multiply - synergies emerge between applications, the variety of assets on the network increases, and TVL grows.

In short: more Extensions mean more possibilities, a stronger network, increased CHR utility, and enhanced value across the Chromia ecosystem.

The First Extension: Oracle

The Oracle Extension will be particularly valuable for dapps that rely on real-time data, such as DeFi applications. Developed in collaboration with Chromia's partner Stork, the Oracle Extension will provide high-speed, validated data feeds that are securely delivered on-chain with each block. This rapid data delivery is crucial for DeFi projects requiring accurate, up-to-date information.

Future Extensions

Following the Oracle Extension, additional modules will broaden Chromia's functionality:

AI Inference: This extension will enable the application of AI models on-chain by leveraging the network’s computing power. AI inference capabilities have the potential to enhance existing partnerships that use Chromia’s decentralized database as a transparent data layer for AI models.
Data Availability and Zero Knowledge: These extensions will introduce support for availability and transaction proofs, adding new dimensions to Chromia's role as both a dapp platform and a utility layer.

Expect further insights from Chromia’s technical team as development of these modules progresses in 2025.

What’s Next?

While an exact launch date for the Asgard Upgrade is pending, the Q4 release will provide base support for Extensions. We also anticipate that the first version of the Oracle Extension will be used by ecosystem projects and publicly demonstrated before the end of the year.

About Chromia

Chromia is a Layer-1 relational blockchain platform that uses a modular framework to empower users and developers with dedicated dapp chains, customizable fee structures, and enhanced digital assets. By fundamentally changing how information is structured on the blockchain, Chromia provides natively queryable data indexed in real-time, challenging the status quo to deliver innovations that will streamline the end-user experience and facilitate new Web3 business models.