Introduction
This comprehensive guide explores XRP (Ripple) transactions, focusing on technical requirements, parameter encoding, and transaction validation. We'll break down the components that make XRP transactions unique in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Transaction Requirements
Fundamental Rules
- XRP Unit: 1 XRP = 1,000,000 drops (smallest unit)
- Minimum Amount: Transactions below 0.01 XRP will fail local signature verification
- Account Activation: New XRP addresses require a 20 XRP reserve
- Balance Rule: Post-transaction balances must maintain ≥20 XRP reserve
Key Features
- XRP transactions use TV (Tag-Value) format encoding
- Field types and domain-specific codes determine parameter structure
- Tag calculation combines type and field code values
Technical Specifications
Field Type Definitions
#define XRP_FIELD_TYPE_INT16 @"1"
#define XRP_FIELD_TYPE_INT32 @"2"
#define XRP_FIELD_TYPE_AMOUNT @"6"
#define XRP_FIELD_TYPE_VL @"7" // Variable-length
#define XRP_FIELD_TYPE_ACCOUNT @"8"Standard Transaction Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Field Code |
|---|---|---|
| Account | ACCOUNT (8) | 1 |
| Transaction Type | INT16 (1) | 2 |
| Flags | INT32 (2) | 2 |
| Sequence | INT32 (2) | 4 |
| Amount | AMOUNT (6) | 1 |
| Fee | AMOUNT (6) | 8 |
| Signing PublicKey | VL (7) | 3 |
| Txn Signature | VL (7) | 4 |
| Destination | ACCOUNT (8) | 3 |
| LastLedgerSequence | INT32 (2) | 27 |
Critical Transaction Parameters
LastLedgerSequence Explained
This optional parameter serves two key purposes:
- Transaction Expiry: If unconfirmed after specified ledger count, transaction auto-fails
- Network Efficiency: Prevents indefinite pending transactions (default 1000-ledger window)
👉 Learn more about XRP transaction finality
Transaction Example Analysis
Payment Scenario
{
"Sender": "rfXSBUpv9Yr41q5qFGRo9LJi1Jbe1wNEFe",
"Receiver": "rHXKdQhjXUtotW3yaofmu3YyuSZ2FXfxFC",
"Fee": "0.01 XRP",
"Amount": "0.01 XRP",
"Memo": "",
"RawTx": "535458001200002280000000240000000720[...]"
}Hexadecimal Breakdown
- Signature Marker:
53545800 - Type Marker:
12(Payment) - Flags:
22 80000000 - Sequence:
24 00000007 - LastLedgerSeq:
20 1b 026F2922 - Fee/Amount:
61 4000000000002710,68 4000000000002710 - Public Key:
73 21 03e7df[...]
Transaction Broadcasting
Success Response
{
"engine_result": "tesSUCCESS",
"engine_result_code": 0,
"tx_json": {
"hash": "A675E3C64F7F93A7[...]",
"Sequence": 2,
"Fee": "10000 drops"
}
}Failure Response
{
"engine_result": "tefMAX_LEDGER",
"engine_result_code": -187,
"engine_result_message": "Ledger sequence too high"
}FAQ Section
Q: Why does XRP require a 20 XRP reserve?
A: This anti-spam measure prevents network flooding with empty accounts while ensuring account recoverability.
Q: How are XRP transaction fees calculated?
A: Fees are dynamically adjusted based on network load, typically ranging from 0.00001 to 0.01 XRP.
Q: What makes XRP transactions faster than Bitcoin?
A: XRP's consensus ledger validates transactions in 3-5 seconds versus Bitcoin's 10-minute blocks.
👉 Discover advanced XRP trading strategies
Q: Can I recover the 20 XRP reserve?
A: Yes, when deleting an account, the reserve becomes spendable minus transaction fees.
Q: How does LastLedgerSequence improve user experience?
A: It creates predictable transaction timelines, preventing indefinite "pending" states common in other blockchains.
Key Takeaways
- XRP transactions require precise parameter encoding
- The 20 XRP reserve ensures network stability
- LastLedgerSequence parameter prevents transaction limbo
- Dynamic fees maintain network efficiency during congestion
For developers building XRP applications, understanding these transaction mechanics is crucial for creating reliable cryptocurrency products.