Jack Dorsey’s payment company Block Inc is requesting developers’ feedback on its potential Bitcoin (BTC) “mining development kit”. According to the Block, this suite of tools could turn loose the next level of innovation in the mining sector as well as accelerate creativity amongst developers. In the end, the goal is to reduce the amount of energy consumption.
Block is gradually making its foray into the crypto mining sector and its first debut is the invention of a mining development kit or MDK. Based on a blog post made by Block’s Senior Product Lead for mining hardware Naoise Irwin, “we want to share that we are considering building a mining development kit, or MDK, and we’re inviting you to help us define it.”
He went on to request feedback from developers and bitcoin miners on the concept.
The MDK is currently anticipated to comprise four parts including a mining hashboard, a customized controller board, an open-source firmware and software API, and extensive reference materials and support documentation. For the first part, the hashboard which would be of industrial grade will be compatible with the custom-made controller board and other third-party controllers as well.
The open-source firmware, a software API and a web front-end was considered so as to provide developers with a platform where adjustments can be made to key performance parameters of the hashboard. To ensure that customization is easily carried out, the company deemed extensive reference materials and support documentation necessary.
What Preferences do You Have?
Some of the feedback that Block is soliciting from developers are: What hardware features do you want to see on the hashboard? What features would you want to see on the control board? What I/O options are needed? Ethernet, WIFI, USB, USB-C? What features of the firmware do you want to be able to modify or control via the API? What preferences do you have? and What kind of documentation and training materials would be helpful? amongst others.
“We anticipate the MDK being useful for development projects focused on integrating bitcoin mining into various novel use cases – such as heating solutions, off-grid mining, home mining or intermittent power applications – as well as optimization of bitcoin mining hardware for traditional commercial mining operations.”
Miners are gaining more attention as the days go by. Last month, the Montana State Senate passed a cryptocurrency mining rights bill that contains laws that will prohibit indiscriminate practices against miners in the region.
