Merge branch 'add_jeffro256_2025Q1' into 'master'

Add jeffro256 full time dev 2025Q1

See merge request !540

jeffro256-full-time-2025Q1.md

+---
+layout: fr
+title: jeffro256 full-time development 2025Q1
+author: jeffro256
+date: January 27, 2025
+amount: 114
+milestones:
+  - name: Month 1
+    funds: 33% (38.0)
+    done:
+    status: unfinished
+  - name: Month 2
+    funds: 33% (38.0)
+    done:
+    status: unfinished
+  - name: Month 3
+    funds: 33% (38.0)
+    done:
+    status: unfinished
+payouts:
+  - date:
+    amount:
+  - date:
+    amount:
+  - date:
+    amount:
+---
+
+## What
+
+The last quarter I implemented the core cryptography for [Carrot](https://github.com/jeffro256/carrot/blob/master/carrot.md). I will note that preliminary performance tests put Carrot scanning at about 30% faster on CPU usage versus scanning today, mostly thanks to the use of the X25519 ECDH library [mx25519](https:://github.com/tevador/mx25519). I also implemented pruned `cryptonote::transaction` [construction and scanning](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/pull/9697) for Carrot. The FCMP++ integration and Carrot integration are finally meeting ends and are almost ready for hot path integration. This next quarter, I want to continue this work to get a testnet out ASAP.
+
+To recap, here is a list of things I will attempt to work on this quarter, in rough order of execution:
+
+- Integrate Carrot scanning/transaction construction into main wallet codepaths
+- Provide support to existing hardware wallet manufacturors on how to securely support Carrot outputs
+- Use benchmarkings and static analysis to inform MRL decisions on transaction weight discussions etc
+- Begin soliciting Carrot core implementation audits
+- Provide Rust implementation of Carrot for Serai/Cuprate
+- Solicit help for multisig implementations of Carrot
+- Help out with the FCMP++ integration wherever I can
+
+## Who
+
+I have been contributing to the Monero core repository for [over two years](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/pulls?page=2&q=is%3Apr+author%3Ajeffro256) with a total of [84 merged commits to master](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/commits?author=jeffro256) thus far, with many open PRs. Over the last few months, I wrote up the [Carrot specification](https://github.com/jeffro256/carrot/blob/master/carrot.md), organized []auditing](https://github.com/cypherstack/carrot-audit), for which the  community graciously funded, and [began](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/pull/9559) [implementing](https://github.com/monero-project/monero/pull/9697) it. Carrot will be the main supported addressing protocol post-FCMP++ if all goes according to plan. I also worked on the Seraphis migration project in 2023/2024.
+
+Previous Proposals:
+- https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/319
+- https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/390
+- https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/421
+- https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/436
+- https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/467
+- https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/504
+
+## Payment
+
+I propose to work for 3 months at a rate of 38 XMR per month.
+