Architectural Diagram

For completeness, here’s an outline of the architecture with major components and their interactions:

• Frontend (Web/App): Interacts with users. Uses CRE8 SDK or direct REST API calls to perform actions. It also connects to Solana wallets for signing transactions when needed.

• CRE8 Backend: Consists of:

  • REST API Server: Handles requests like creating listings, updating profiles, searching, etc. Authenticates users and enforces business rules. It communicates with...

  • Solana RPC Node/Service: The backend uses Solana’s RPC (Remote Procedure Call) interface to send transactions to the Solana blockchain or query the blockchain. For example, when a listing is created, it may send a transaction to mint an SPL token.

  • Database: Holds off-chain data (user profiles, listing metadata, chat messages, KYC info, etc.). Some data mirrors on-chain state for easier querying (like a table of listings with their token mint and status).

  • KYC/Compliance Service: If integrated, handles verification processes asynchronously.

  • Notifications Service: For sending emails or push notifications triggered by events (e.g., escrow funded, deadline approaching).

• Solana Blockchain: Hosts the smart contracts:

  • Service Token Mint (SPL): Each service type has a token mint. The state of who owns the service token is on-chain.

  • Escrow Smart Contract: A program that holds funds and possibly the token during in-progress gigs, releasing according to conditions.

  • $CRE8 Token Mint: The mint for $CRE8 itself (also SPL) and possibly a staking program contract for distributing rewards.

  • Governance Program: If on-chain governance is used (Solana’s Realms or a custom program) for voting on proposals.

• External Integration (Optional): For example, the Card Issuer partner system (off-chain) which interacts via secure channels to manage card transactions, or Oracles if needed for off-chain triggers.

While a diagram would visualize this, the key point for developers is that interactions either go through CRE8’s API or directly on Solana. If a developer is comfortable with Solana, they might directly invoke the escrow program instructions from their own code (especially if doing something custom). However, the CRE8 API/SDK provides convenience, handling the heavy lifting like building transactions with correct accounts (often using Solana’s program-derived addresses (PDAs) to reference escrow accounts securely).