Hydro (HOT) is an open-source protocol that allows developers to create decentralized exchanges or DEXs. This framework aims to provide DeFi developers with a simple platform without the hassles and costs of developing, implementing, and securing smart contracts. Further, traders use the DEX built on the Hydro platform utilizing smart contracts. In a broader sense, the Hydro project comprises a collection of open-access smart contracts and modules for building ERC20 token exchange capability that is efficient, quick, and safe.

According to the official document of the platform, Hydro seeks to make it possible to provide a framework for exchanges to build on through the use of smart contracts. Smart contracts are similar to regular paper contracts but deployed on a blockchain as protocols. The framework emphasizes liquidity; having named it Hydro, this protocol aims to offer frictionless trading. The Hydro smart contracts are also multichain compatible, allowing developers to utilize possibilities across a range of blockchains.

Importantly, the protocol seeks to enable Hydro relayers, which are the DEXs built on the platform, to collect fees as a proportion of the tokens being exchanged without the use of third-party tokens. As a result of this feature, the relayers seek to receive unlimited flexibility with no token holding constraints or token costs. Moreover, the platform states that Hydro aims to enable even established platforms to transfer their liquidity to a decentralized market. Hydro creates single-sided and multi-sided marketplaces for lending protocols, predictions markets, and a variety of other DeFi applications.

The native token of the Hydro protocol is HOT. The platform states that Hydro relayers benefit primarily from trading fees as well as the ‘Hydro protocol economic incentives,’ a voluntary scheme. Thereby, HOT tokens are automatically distributed to relayers who engage in the Hydro economics according to the number of exchanges they make. With regards to the optional incentive structure based on the HOT token, the protocol seeks to allow traders who possess the HOT token to trade at a lesser amount.