# XRP Ledger > The Blockchain Built for Business XRP Ledger is a decentralized public blockchain that enables fast, low-cost transactions and serves as infrastructure for digital payments. XRP Ledger is a decentralized Layer 1 blockchain designed for fast, low-cost payments and asset issuance. Developers issue tokens, build payment applications, and trade on the built-in decentralized exchange. The network reaches consensus through trusted validator agreement rather than proof-of-work, providing energy efficiency and rapid finality without mining. - Type: Network - Sector: Blockchain Platforms - Status: Active - Founded: 2012-06-01 - Profile: https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger ## Products - [XRP Ledger (XRPL)](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger): XRP Ledger is a decentralized L1 blockchain that processes transactions through consensus protocol, enabling fast settlements in 3-5 seconds. The system supports native token issuance, built-in DEX functionality, and cross-currency payments while maintaining energy efficiency through consensus validation. (L1, Live, Main Product) - [rippled](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger): rippled is the reference implementation core server software that enforces consensus rules and transaction processing for the XRP Ledger network. The system processes every transaction independently while maintaining network synchronization and providing HTTP/WebSocket APIs for client access. (Node Software, Live) - [Clio](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger): Clio is an API server optimized for validated XRP Ledger data access through WebSocket and HTTP interfaces. The system stores ledger data in space-efficient format using Cassandra, enabling horizontal scaling and reduced load on core rippled servers. (OnChain Data API, Live) - [Hooks](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger): Hooks implements smart contract functionality through small WebAssembly modules that execute before and after XRPL transactions. The system enables logic execution on accounts while maintaining the ledger's performance characteristics through efficient code deployment. (Developer Tooling, Open Beta) - [XRPL Explorer](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger): XRPL Explorer provides blockchain data visualization and transaction monitoring interfaces for both mainnet and testnet networks. The system displays real-time ledger statistics, validator information, and transaction history with network performance metrics. (Block Explorer, Live) ## Assets - [XRP (XRP)](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrp_ledger): XRP is the native token of the XRP Ledger. It is used to pay transaction fees and serves as a bridge currency for cross-border payments, automatically routing between different fiat or asset corridors when it reduces total cost. XRP settles transfers in three to five seconds through XRPL's consensus protocol, which reaches agreement among trusted validator nodes without mining. (Native) ## Links - [Main](https://xrpl.org) - [Documentation](https://xrpl.org/docs) - [Media Kit/branding](https://xrpl.org/XRPL_Brand_Kit.zip) - [Blog](https://xrpl.org/blog) - [Privacy policy](https://xrpl.org/about/privacy-policy) - [Twitter / X](https://x.com/XRPLF) - [Discord](https://discord.gg/xrpl) - [GitHub](https://github.com/xrplf) - [GitHub](https://github.com/XRPL-Labs/xrpld-hooks) ## Relationships - [Ripple](https://thegrid.id/profiles/ripple): Parent organization - [XRPL EVM Sidechain](https://thegrid.id/profiles/xrpl_evm_sidechain): Subsidiary ## Legal This data is provided under two licensing models. Model 1 - open data. 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