Implement the POET Server in C++ (Contest)

Overview

• This issue describes the task for the Spacemesh Server POET contest - please read the contest terms before applying for the contest.
• Implement the core POET server as defined here in C++.
• Please also refer to #2 - the issue for implementing the server in go-lang.

Contributors Profile

• Proficient in C++ - we expect an efficient and clean implementation
• Some C++ crypto coding experience
• Good technical english reading and writing skills
• Familiar with the principles of modern applied cryptography. A graduate-level applied crypto course e.g http://toc.cryptobook.us/ knowledge
• Able to understand the claims (as well as the algorithms and data structures) in the relevant research papers, though it isn't essential to understand the proofs of these claims
• Able to read Python code and to review the provided reference Python code
• Able to allocate ~15 work days over the calendar month since starting to work on the issue for this issue
• Able to deliver all deliverables in 30 calendar days since starting to work on the issue
• Able to conduct Github code review sessions with Spacemesh open source maintainers and security researchers

Deliverables

• Buildable POET Server implemented in C++ per the pec containing 2 main components: Verifier and Prover
• Efficient supporting data structures and types design and implementation
• All specified tests implemented and all tests pass
• Unit tests implemented for all functions and types and all test passes
• >80% code coverage for unit tests
• Code is well documented - every method, struct and types are documented
• Usage of clean idiomatic modern C++
• Prover works correctly with the Spacemesh POET verifier web service
• External dependencies approved by Spacemesh research team

Code Review

The code will be review based on 3 criteria:

1. Efficiency - the implementation will be reviewed for efficiency by the Spacemesh core dev team
2. Security - the security of the implementation will be reviewed by the Spacemesh research team
3. Correctness - the correctness of the implementation providing a solution for theoretical constructs and correct operation against the Spacemesh POET web service prover and verifier.

Implementation Notes

1. Implement a distinct type for the Verifier and a type for the Prover
2. Implement all integration tests by using a verifier and a prover instance
3. Use the sha256-smd library for sha256()
4. Minimize use of external dependencies and only use deps approved by Spacemesh research team