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Canton Improvement Proposals (CIPs) are the formal mechanism for proposing changes, standards, and improvements to Canton Network.

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What are CIPs?

CIPs are design documents providing information to the Canton community, describing new features, processes, or standards for Canton Network.
CIP TypePurpose
Standards TrackTechnical specifications and standards
ProcessGovernance and operational procedures
InformationalGeneral guidelines and information

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Why CIPs Matter

CIPs ensure that:
  • Changes are discussed openly before implementation
  • Standards enable interoperability
  • The community has input on network evolution
  • Decisions are voted on and then documented for reference

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Key CIPs

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CIP-0056: Canton Network Token Standard

The token standard defines interfaces for fungible tokens on Canton Network.
AspectSpecification
PurposeStandardize token operations
InterfacesHolding, Transfer, Lock
InteroperabilityWallet and app compatibility
GitHub: CIP-0056 Key features:
  • Standard holding representation
  • Consistent transfer semantics
  • Pre-approval support for advanced workflows
  • Allocation patterns for multi-step transfers

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CIP Process

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Lifecycle

StageDescription
DraftInitial proposal for discussion
ReviewCommunity review and feedback
AcceptedApproved for implementation
FinalImplemented and stable
RejectedNot accepted (with rationale)

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Who Can Propose

CIPs can be proposed by:
  • Super Validators
  • Community members
  • Development teams
  • Ecosystem participants

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Implementing CIPs

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For Application Developers

When building applications, consider relevant CIPs:
SituationAction
Creating tokensImplement CIP-0056 interfaces
Wallet integrationSupport standard interfaces
InteroperabilityFollow published standards

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Example: Token Standard Implementation

-- Implement CIP-0056 holding interface
template MyToken
  with
    issuer : Party
    holder : Party
    amount : Decimal
  where
    signatory issuer
    observer holder

    -- Standard interface implementation
    interface instance Holding.I for MyToken where
      view = Holding.View with ...

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Finding CIPs

ResourceContent
GitHub RepositoryAll CIP documents
canton.foundationGovernance information
Community channelsDiscussion and updates

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Contributing to CIPs

To propose or contribute to CIPs:
  1. Review existing CIPs to understand the format
  2. Discuss informally in community channels
  3. Write a draft following the CIP template
  4. Submit for review via the appropriate process
  5. Iterate based on feedback

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Next Steps

Token Standard

Implement the Canton Token Standard.

CIP Repository

Browse all CIPs on GitHub.