Thank's for checking out this project!
You know the ENS, or DNS? Well, the Names Protocol is very similar, but simplified as much as possible.
It's main purpose lies in resolving names (say "Bob") to Ethereum addresses (say "0x1234...") and vice versa.
I really wanted to develop a blockchain username system. Also I think that this system has some key advantages to similar systems like the ENS.
You're right.
The thing is, when I looked at ENS, TBH, it seemed kinda complicated.
It involves a multi-step procedure to receive the permission to basically "rent" a name.
These names are resellable, which means some are found on NFT marketplaces while others require using the ENS-UI to acquire them.
Once you control an ENS name, you can add records to it, like, for example, a BTC address.
IDK. I just built something different.
See, the Names Protocol is really only good for one thing: usernames.
It does not store any additional data, neither does it feature it's own TLD.
But - it has its own, more or less unique structure:
A name here is made up of three parts: some arbitrary text, a "/" and a number.
In practice this results in names like, for example, "Alice/5".
The thing is, out of the three parts a user only ever gets to directly choose the first.
This is what makes the Names Protocol unique:
The number is basically an index for the chosen text.
This means that the first to claim "Bob" will be assigned "Bob/0".
If someone else want's to be "Bob" as well, he is assigned "Bob/1".
This is important, because through the implementation of Outsider, these names are non-transferable,
which in turn means they can never be sold without transferring ones private keys.
In short, this means that once claimed, a name in the Name Protocol will forever resolve the same address.
Now, if someone decides to change their name, they can do so.
When resolving an address to a name, the result will always be the most recent name.
But any older names remain valid for as long as the blockchain continues to operate.
Actually, it's really cheap. All you pay are transaction fees.
You just want to try it out? That's great. Use the "Search..." bar to look up either a name or an address - no Ethereum wallet required.
If you want, you can also claim your own name using the lower part of this dApp.
You're a developer? Integrating this into your own software should be pretty easy. See GitHub for more details.
The Names Protocol is currently only deployed on the Mumbai testnet, but some mainnet will follow soonish.
As to why not Ethereum:
In my opinion, Ethereums level of decentralization and security is simply not as important as a frictionless UX (especially for this project).
You want to support me? Go and try out my dApp.
If you liked it, go tell someone else about it.
In case you have any questions, it's feel free to contact me using Twitter.