Hideo Nakamura The much-awaited Dencun upgrade for Ethereum’s blockchain will not be introduced this year as originally scheduled. The postponement of the upgrade until at least 2024 was announced during a recent meeting among Ethereum’s All Core Developers. Following the conference, Tim Beiko, a software developer involved with the project, disclosed the revised timeline for the upgrade via social media channels.
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Focus of the Dencun Upgrade: Improved Scalability, Security, and User Experience
The Dencun upgrade aims to advance the capabilities of the Ethereum blockchain in various dimensions such as scalability, security, and ease of use. A significant component of the upgrade is the new transaction type called “data blobs,” which is engineered to enhance data storage and access for layer-two (L2) rollups on the Ethereum platform. The upgrade had initially been bifurcated into two separate phases: Deneb, which focuses on the Consensus Layer, and Cancun, directed towards the Execution Layer.
Extended Testing Required Prior to Mainnet Deployment
After the meeting, Beiko highlighted the necessity for extra testing protocols before the upgrade can be safely rolled out on the mainnet. Although the Execution Layer teams are prepared to initiate testing on the Goerli testnet, teams working on the Consensus Layer have indicated a need for additional weeks to complete modifications to their codebase. The mev-boost pipeline also remains to be tested comprehensively across all client platforms.
A pivotal moment in the meeting was the statement by the developer of Prysm, an Ethereum proof-of-stake client, asserting that Dencun is not prepared for mainnet deployment this year. Consequently, the planned fork for the Goerli testnet will likely not happen before late November. Standard procedure for testnets usually requires a minimum of two weeks between forks, making it plausible that the Dencun upgrade will not see its mainnet debut until after the 2023 holiday season, extending into 2024.
Uncertain Yet Defined Path to Mainnet Deployment
Beiko stressed that while nothing is definitive at this point, there is a clear roadmap being established toward the mainnet. Developers will continue their rigorous testing and coordination efforts in the upcoming months to ensure a smooth and efficient release of the upgrade when it is finally ready. Beiko also added that by the next week’s All Core Developers meeting, a devnet-11 will be launched with all clients set up with mev-boost to conduct a Goerli shadow fork.
What are your thoughts on the development team’s decision to defer the Dencun upgrade to the next year? Please share your views and insights on this matter in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dencun upgrade delay
What is the Dencun upgrade?
The Dencun upgrade is a highly anticipated update for the Ethereum blockchain. It aims to improve various aspects of the network, including scalability, security, and user-friendliness. A key feature of this upgrade is the introduction of “data blobs,” a new transaction type designed to optimize data storage and access, especially for layer-two (L2) rollups.
When was the Dencun upgrade originally scheduled to be released?
The Dencun upgrade was originally planned to debut in 2023. However, this timeline has been revised, and the upgrade is now expected to be rolled out no earlier than 2024.
Who announced the delay of the Dencun upgrade?
The delay was announced during a recent meeting among Ethereum’s All Core Developers. Subsequently, Tim Beiko, a software developer involved in the project, provided further details via social media channels.
Why has the Dencun upgrade been postponed?
The upgrade has been delayed due to the need for additional testing. The teams responsible for the Consensus Layer have indicated that they require more time to finalize their codebase adjustments. Additionally, the mev-boost pipeline is yet to be tested across all client platforms.
What are the Deneb and Cancun phases in the Dencun upgrade?
The Dencun upgrade was initially divided into two separate phases. The Deneb phase focuses on improvements to the Consensus Layer, while the Cancun phase is directed towards the Execution Layer.
What is the current expected timeline for the Dencun upgrade’s release?
As of the latest updates, the Dencun upgrade is anticipated to make its debut on the mainnet after the 2023 holiday season, extending into 2024.
What is the significance of the Goerli testnet in this context?
The Goerli testnet serves as a platform for preliminary testing of the upgrade. The planned fork for the Goerli testnet is expected to occur no earlier than late November. Typically, testnets require a minimum of two weeks between forks.
What are the developers’ next steps?
The developers will continue with rigorous testing and coordination efforts in the upcoming months. Tim Beiko mentioned that by next week’s All Core Developers meeting, a devnet-11 will be launched with all clients set up with mev-boost to conduct a Goerli shadow fork.
More about Dencun upgrade delay
- Ethereum Official Website
- All Core Developers Meeting Minutes
- Tim Beiko’s Social Media Update on Dencun Upgrade
- Overview of Ethereum’s Layer-Two Rollups
- Introduction to Goerli Testnet
- Explanation of Ethereum’s Consensus and Execution Layers
- What is mev-boost?
9 comments
Scalability and security are key, so I get it. But they gotta move quicker, competition isn’t sleeping.
Tim Beiko’s update is super important. Glad there’s some transparency, shows they’re taking it seriously.
Trust in the process, guys. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a secure and scalable blockchain.
Wow, another delay in crypto land! Guess it’s better to be safe than sorry, but c’mon Ethereum devs, we were all looking forward to Dencun.
More testing needed, seriously? how much more time do they need to make this work.
This is why i always say, never believe in deadlines in the tech world. Delays are a part of life, specially in something as complex as blockchain.
Good things take time, right? better to get it perfect than rush it, our investments depend on it!
Man, crypto never sleeps but looks like it takes a nap sometimes lol. Hope they sort it out fast, my portfolio needs some good news.
Delay or not, I’m still bullish on Ethereum. It’s about the long game ppl.