Create dotnix.md

[Ra33it0]

Project Abstract

Dotnix is a collection of Nix packages and NixOS modules designed for creating and managing Polkadot/Kusama Validator Nodes, emphasizing both security and ease of use.

Grant level

• Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals
• Level 2: Up to $30,000, 3 approvals
• Level 3: Unlimited, 5 approvals (for >$100k: Web3 Foundation Council approval)

Application Checklist

• The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (project_name.md).
• I have read the application guidelines.
• Payment details have been provided (Polkadot AssetHub (DOT, USDC & USDT) address in the application and bank details via email, if applicable).
• I understand that 30% of each milestone will be paid in vested DOT, to the Polkadot AssetHub address listed in the application.
• I am aware that, in order to receive a grant, I (and the entity I represent) have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.
• The software delivered for this grant will be released under an open-source license specified in the application.
• The initial PR contains only one commit (squash and force-push if needed).
• The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted (see the announcement guidelines).
• I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. My username is: @ :matrix.org (change the homeserver if you use a different one)

[github-actions]

CLA Assistant Lite bot All contributors have signed the CLA ✍️ ✅

[Ra33it0]

I have read and hereby sign the Contributor License Agreement.

[PieWol]

Thank you for the application @Ra33it0,
I have left some comments and suggestion for you to address. Looking forward to your changes so this application will be ready for review.

I also have the impression that infrastructure tools like this are really fast moving and susceptible to changes in used dependencies. Do you have plans or ideas on how to maintain this tool after the grant?

[PieWol]

Hey @Ra33it0 , are you still working on this application?

[4z3]

I also have the impression that infrastructure tools like this are really fast moving and susceptible to changes in used dependencies. Do you have plans or ideas on how to maintain this tool after the grant?

The plan for the dependencies is to rely on the packages provided by NixOS/nixpkgs as much as possible. For dependencies not found in nixpkgs, yet, it has to be determined whether it makes sense to upstream them and also maintain them there or whether they should reside within Dotnix.

Packages at nixpkgs get maintained by both humans and bots creating PRs. There is e.g. the bot account r-ryantm that runs nixpkgs-update. For individual human maintainers there are tools like e.g. the updating facilities for Haskell packages, or the Solana updater.

Packages maintained within Dotnix itself will follow this (semi-) automatic approach and provide updating scripts as can be found in nixpkgs.

This should help to keep manual labour to a minimum, except for incompatible major version updates, which is expected to be performed by people interested in this project.

[keeganquigley]

Thanks for the thorough explanations @4z3 and the deep dive @PieWol I'm a fan of NixOS and since the price is reasonable I'm happy to go ahead with it. I will mark the application as ready for review and ping the committee.

In the meantime, we have started to do KYC/KYB checks for all potential grantees. Can you please complete the KYB verification process to proceed? Thanks!

[semuelle]

Thanks for the application, @Ra33it0. My main question is what your motivation to build this is. Are you planning to use this yourself? Are you planning to maintain it or offer support after delivery?

[Ra33it0]

@semuelle The primary motivation behind Dotnix is to enhance the Polkadot validator landscape by introducing a solution that seamlessly integrates security with simplicity. Our validator features several enhancements over existing options. For detailed insights into these improvements, see the "Security" and "Ease of Use" sections of our application.

The concept of Nix-based validators has already demonstrated its effectiveness on other networks. For further information on this concept, please visit: Nix Bitcoin Features.

We are committed to the long-term maintenance and development of this project, with plans to expand its functionality through subsequent milestones and potential grants.

[semuelle]

Thanks for the updates. Just two minor issues still.

[semuelle]

Thanks, happy to support this.

[semuelle]

Could you fill out the KYB form (assuming you are applying as a company, otherwise please use this form), @Ra33it0?

[PieWol]

Thanks for the changes. Looks good.

[github-actions]

Congratulations and welcome to the Web3 Foundation Grants Program! Please refer to our Milestone Delivery repository for instructions on how to submit milestones and invoices, our FAQ for frequently asked questions and the support section of our README for more ways to find answers to your questions.

Before you start, take a moment to read through our announcement guidelines for all communications related to the grant or make them known to the right person in your organisation. In particular, please don't announce the grant publicly before at least the first milestone of your project has been approved. At that point or shortly before, you can get in touch with us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to collaborate on an announcement about the work you’re doing.

Lastly, please remember to let us know in case you run into any delays or deviate from the deliverables in your application. You can either leave a comment here or directly request to amend your application via PR. We wish you luck with your project! 🚀

[semuelle]

Hey @Ra33it0, I didn't realize at the time of application, but the document doesn't contain a Polkadot address for the DOT part of the grant. Could you amend it, so we have written confirmation of your address before payment?

[semuelle]

pinging @Ra33it0 & @4z3