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Toolkit Project to SNS

One of our future goals is to enable an easy conversion path from a Toolkit Project to an Internet Computer SNS (Service Nervous System). Toolkit projects and SNS systems share many similarities, so developing your project in a semi-equivalent toolkit environment can be valuable, especially for developers aiming to eventually transition to a full SNS.

Why Convert a Toolkit Project to an SNS?​

1. Experimentation and Iteration​

Building a project as a toolkit project first allows developers to experiment, iterate, and refine their ideas in a controlled environment. Since toolkit projects are structurally similar to SNS, developers can test configurations that closely resemble how their project would function as a full SNS. This approach gives developers a flexible, low-stakes way to prepare for the final SNS conversion.

2. Access to a Battle-Tested Governance System​

The SNS offers a robust, well-tested governance framework, making it the end goal for many projects. By beginning as a toolkit project, developers can establish and refine their project’s core functionality before transitioning to the more formalized, community-driven SNS governance model. The SNS framework also provides an additional layer of security and credibility, which can help projects gain user trust and traction.

Vision for Seamless Conversion​

We envision a streamlined, click-based conversion process where a toolkit project can be transformed into an SNS with minimal manual setup. This would make it easy for developers to take their projects to the next level without having to start from scratch.

Planned Conversion Features​

With this planned conversion tool, most of the configuration will be carried over automatically, while some small manual adjustments may be needed. Here’s how we plan for it to work:

  • Preset Main Configuration: Key metadata—such as the project’s name, description, logo, and URL—will automatically transfer to the new SNS setup, ensuring continuity and saving time for developers.
  • Member Conversion to Neurons: Members in the toolkit project will convert into developer neurons within the SNS, allowing for the same participants to have a role in SNS governance.
  • Automatic Controller Setup: The controllers for canisters in the toolkit project will automatically be set according to SNS requirements, eliminating the need for extensive reconfiguration.
  • Minimal Manual Setup: While the main metadata will be pre-configured, some aspects, such as specific governance thresholds or proposal rules, may require small manual adjustments as part of the SNS’s own setup.