Hyperledger Besu

Hyperledger Besu
Name	Hyperledger Besu
Developer	ConsenSys, Hyperledger
Released	October 2019
Programming language	Java
Operating system	Cross-platform
Genre	Blockchain, Ethereum client
License	Apache License 2.0

Hyperledger Besu. It is an open-source Ethereum client developed under the Hyperledger project hosted by the Linux Foundation. Written in Java, it is designed to be enterprise-friendly, supporting both public Ethereum networks and private permissioned networks. The client is a key project within the Hyperledger consortium, which also includes other distributed ledger technologies like Hyperledger Fabric and Hyperledger Sawtooth.

Overview

Originally developed by ConsenSys as Pantheon, the project was contributed to the Hyperledger consortium in August 2019 and renamed. It operates as a full Ethereum client, executing the Ethereum Virtual Machine and maintaining a full copy of the blockchain ledger. Besu implements key Ethereum Improvement Proposals such as EIP-1559, which introduced a new transaction fee market. Its development is guided by the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, which sets standards for enterprise use of Ethereum technology.

Architecture

The architecture is modular, built around a core Ethereum protocol implementation. It uses Apache Tuweni for cryptographic libraries and Orion as its default private transaction manager for confidential transactions on private networks. For consensus on permissioned networks, it supports both Proof of Authority protocols like IBFT 2.0 and Clique, as well as standard Proof of Work for public network compatibility. The JSON-RPC API and GraphQL endpoints provide interfaces for decentralized application interaction and integration with tools like MetaMask.

Features

A primary feature is its versatility in network types, allowing seamless operation on the Ethereum Mainnet, public testnets like Ropsten and Rinkeby, and private instances. It includes advanced privacy features through its integration with Orion and support for private state via privacy groups. The client also supports Ethereum Virtual Machine tracing and detailed metrics monitoring, which are critical for enterprise DevOps and auditing processes. Its onchain permissioning system allows for dynamic control over network participants.

Use Cases

Enterprises utilize it for building private supply chain networks where participants like Walmart or Maersk require controlled access and transaction privacy. It is employed in central bank digital currency experiments, such as those explored by the Banque de France. Financial services firms use it for tokenized asset platforms and trade finance solutions, leveraging its compliance features. Energy sector consortia, potentially involving companies like Shell, use it for peer-to-peer energy trading grids and carbon credit tracking systems.

Development and Governance

Development is managed as a project under the Hyperledger umbrella, following open-source governance models defined by the Linux Foundation. Technical decisions are overseen by a project maintainer team with contributors from organizations like ConsenSys, Accenture, and PegaSys. The codebase is hosted on GitHub, and the project adheres to the Apache License 2.0. It follows a regular release cycle, with updates incorporating core Ethereum protocol upgrades like the London hard fork and upcoming changes from the Ethereum 2.0 roadmap.

Comparison with Other Ethereum Clients

Unlike clients written in Go like Geth or in Rust like Nethermind, it is written in Java, appealing to enterprises with existing JEE infrastructure. Compared to Parity Ethereum (now OpenEthereum), it offers more built-in features for private, permissioned consortium networks. While Geth is the most widely used client on the Ethereum Mainnet, it is often favored for hybrid or private deployments due to its permissioning systems and extensive JSON-RPC API, similar to the flexibility offered by Hyperledger Fabric in other enterprise contexts.

Category:Hyperledger Category:Ethereum Category:Free software programmed in Java Category:Free blockchain software Category:2019 software