Irys

Irys represents the evolution of datachains—blockchains specifically optimized for affordable, secure, and long-term data storage. Early datachains solved the cost problem but failed to activate data’s potential. Irys solves this by embedding an execution layer directly into the datachain, enabling smart contracts to read, update, and enforce rules on data without relying on external databases or APIs.

The Irys architecture is built around a multi-ledger design. Data first enters the Submit Ledger for validation, then moves to the Publish Ledger for long-term verifiable storage. Future expansion will include custom term-based ledgers, offering flexibility for varied storage needs. This transition from submission to permanence ensures integrity while reducing storage costs.

At the heart of Irys lies the IrysVM, an EVM-compatible execution layer that allows for native programmability of data. Smart contracts deployed on IrysVM can interact directly with stored data, enabling use cases like AI model versioning, dynamic licensing, and cross-application automation without the need for bridges or off-chain logic.

To maintain decentralization, Irys employs a hybrid consensus model. Miners must stake assets to participate, reducing spam and signaling commitment. A PoW system underpins block production, while stake requirements and hashpower limits prevent centralization. This makes Irys secure, scalable, and open for future participation.

Unlike datachains that merely store, or blockchains that merely compute, Irys unifies both worlds—making it ideal for AI agents, protocol composability, and new forms of digital infrastructure. While competitors like Arweave and Filecoin focus purely on decentralized storage, Irys positions itself as a smart layer where data is actionable and economically useful.

Irys introduces powerful features for building a next-gen, onchain data economy:

• Programmable Data: Store data that can be read, modified, and controlled directly by smart contracts.
• IrysVM: High-performance, EVM-compatible execution layer optimized for interacting with onchain data.
• Multi-Ledger Architecture: Submit, validate, and promote data across ledgers to ensure speed and permanence.
• Hybrid Consensus: Combines Proof of Work and Proof of Stake for scalability and decentralization.
• Cost Predictability: Pricing stabilized using EMA-based miner pricing and enforced economic incentives.
• Composable Infrastructure: Applications can leverage one another’s data seamlessly, unlocking compounding value.
• AI-Ready: Supports AI agents, inference proofs, and dynamic datasets directly onchain.

Getting started with Irys is streamlined for developers and data-intensive applications:

• Visit the Website: Go to irys.xyz to explore the platform's capabilities.
• Read the Core Features: Learn how the IrysVM, multi-ledger system, and consensus model work.
• Access the Connect Hub: Start interacting with Irys via wallets and explore network utilities.
• Explore the Faucet: Use the faucet to get test tokens and deploy smart contracts for free on testnets.
• Check the Explorer: Monitor data submissions and execution outcomes using the live onchain explorer.
• Join the Community: Follow Irys on Twitter, join Discord, and participate in discussions around programmable data.