Ethereum developers are making significant progress on their upcoming upgrade, known as ‘Dencun.’ In a recent blog post, the team confirmed the timeline for implementing the changes on two key test networks, marking an important step before the upgrade goes live on the main network. The Dencun upgrade includes the introduction of ‘proto-danksharding,’ a technical feature that aims to reduce transaction costs on layer 2s and provide more affordable data on the blockchain. The protocol changes will be tested on the Sepolia and Holesky testnets in late January and early February, with the mainnet release targeted for late February or early March. This upgrade is expected to bring significant improvements to the Ethereum network and enhance its scalability.
Ethereum Developers Set Timeline for Final ‘Dencun’ Testnet Upgrades
Developers plan for the biggest upgrade in a year
Ethereum developers are preparing for the largest upgrade to the network in a year, known as ‘Dencun.’ This major upgrade, also referred to as a hard fork, aims to implement the ‘proto-danksharding’ feature, which will reduce the cost of transactions on layer 2s and make data more affordable on the blockchain. To ensure a smooth transition, developers are conducting thorough testing and have set a timeline for the protocol changes on test networks before deploying them on Ethereum’s mainnet.
Confirmation of dates for protocol changes on test networks
In a recent blog post, Ethereum developers confirmed the dates for implementing the protocol changes on two key test networks. This announcement signifies an important step towards the final release of Dencun on the main network. The protocol changes will be tested on the Sepolia and Holesky test networks, serving as a dress rehearsal for the upgrade. The scheduled dates for these tests are January 30th and February 7th, respectively.
Introduction to Dencun and ‘proto-danksharding’
Dencun represents a significant upgrade to the Ethereum blockchain, and it aims to introduce the highly anticipated ‘proto-danksharding’ feature. This technical enhancement will revolutionize the network by reducing transaction costs on layer 2s and enabling more affordable data storage on the blockchain. By implementing proto-danksharding, Ethereum developers hope to enhance scalability and improve the overall user experience within the ecosystem.
Dress rehearsal on Sepolia and Holesky test networks
To ensure a smooth transition to the main network, developers are conducting a dress rehearsal of the protocol changes on two test networks: Sepolia and Holesky. These testnets will simulate the upcoming upgrade and allow developers to identify any potential issues or bugs before deploying Dencun on the mainnet. The dress rehearsal is scheduled for January 30th on the Sepolia testnet and February 7th on the Holesky testnet.
Successful upgrade on Goerli testnet
In preparation for the Dencun upgrade, developers recently conducted a successful upgrade on the Goerli testnet. Despite encountering some minor issues, the upgrade was considered a success and demonstrated the progress made towards the implementation of Dencun. This successful test provides confidence in the upcoming dress rehearsals on the Sepolia and Holesky test networks.
Triggering Dencun on Sepolia and Holesky
According to the timeline set by Ethereum developers, the trigger for the Dencun upgrade is planned to occur on the Sepolia testnet at 22:51 UTC and at epoch 132608. This event marks a significant milestone in the deployment of Dencun. Following the trigger on Sepolia, another test will take place on the Holesky testnet on February 7th at 11:34 UTC and at epoch 950272. These test events allow developers to assess the readiness of the upgrade and make any necessary adjustments before releasing it on Ethereum’s mainnet.
Targeted release on Ethereum’s mainnet
After successful tests on the Sepolia and Holesky test networks, developers will finalize the plans for Dencun’s release on Ethereum’s mainnet. The current target is to deploy the upgrade by the end of February or early March. This release on the mainnet will bring the benefits of proto-danksharding and improved scalability to the entire Ethereum ecosystem. Users can look forward to reduced transaction costs and enhanced efficiency within the network.
Update for node operators
Ethereum developers have advised node operators to update their software in preparation for the Dencun upgrade. By ensuring that their nodes are running the latest software version, node operators can contribute to the successful deployment of this major upgrade. Staying updated with the latest software releases is essential for maintaining node compatibility and network security.
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About the author and Consensus 2024 conference
Margaux Nijkerk is a reporter covering the Ethereum protocol and layer 2 solutions for CoinDesk. With a background in International Affairs and Economics, she provides insights into the developments and advancements in the Ethereum ecosystem. Margaux holds a small amount of ETH and other altcoins.
CoinDesk’s Consensus 2024 conference is a highly anticipated event that brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and enthusiasts from around the world. As the longest-running and most influential conference in the crypto, blockchain, and Web3 space, Consensus 2024 provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. The conference will take place from May 29th to May 31st, 2024 in Austin, Texas.
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