Research Summary
The report discusses the Ethereum All Core Developers Execution Call #178, which focused on the upcoming Cancun/Deneb (Dencun) upgrade and subsequent Prague/Electra hard fork. The developers confirmed the testnet activation dates for the Dencun upgrade and discussed the timeline for the Goerli, Sepolia, and Holesky testnets. The report also covers the debate on the timeline for Sepolia and Holesky testnets and the discussion on prioritizing Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) for the next upgrade after Dencun, Prague/Electra.
Key Takeaways
Confirmation of Testnet Activation Dates
- Testnet Activation Dates: The developers confirmed the testnet activation dates for the Dencun upgrade. The Prysm team is preparing a new “pre-release” for the Goerli testnet hard fork scheduled for January 17, 2024, with a full release to follow for mainnet use.
Timeline for Goerli, Sepolia, and Holesky Testnets
- Proposed Timeline: Tim Beiko proposed activation times for the Goerli, Sepolia, and Holesky testnets, with Goerli set for January 17, Sepolia for January 30, and Holesky for February 7, 2024. However, there was a debate regarding the timeline for Sepolia and Holesky testnets.
Debate on the Timeline for Sepolia and Holesky Testnets
- Timeline Debate: A Prysm developer, Potuz, suggested a delay in setting dates for Sepolia and Holesky testnets until after Goerli’s results are clear. However, Geth’s Marius van der Wijden saw no harm in setting dates for Sepolia and Holesky, as they can be changed if issues arise post-Goerli.
Discussion on Prioritizing Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs)
- EIP Prioritization: For the next upgrade after Dencun, Prague/Electra, developers discussed prioritizing EIPs, with Marius van der Wijden emphasizing the focus on delivering the Verkle tree upgrade, subject to its readiness. However, Ethereum Foundation Researcher Ansgar Dietrichs opposes prioritizing Verkle for the Prague/Electra upgrade, predicting a delay until 2025 due to the complexity of Verkle’s code changes.
Discussion on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Object Format (EOF)
- EVM Object Format: A developer known as “Rodiazet” from the Ethereum Foundation’s Ipsilon team supports implementing the Ethereum Object Format (EOF) in the Prague/Electra upgrade. The EOF is a set of improvements considered for the Cancun/Deneb upgrade, aiming to enhance the EVM’s functionality and efficiency.
Actionable Insights
- Monitor the Progress of Testnet Activations: Stakeholders should keep an eye on the progress of the testnet activations for the Dencun upgrade, especially the Goerli testnet hard fork, as it could provide insights into the potential success of the mainnet upgrade.
- Understand the Implications of the Proposed Timeline: Understanding the implications of the proposed timeline for the Goerli, Sepolia, and Holesky testnets could help stakeholders prepare for potential changes in the Ethereum network.
- Follow the Debate on EIP Prioritization: Stakeholders should follow the ongoing debate on EIP prioritization for the Prague/Electra upgrade, as it could impact the future development and functionality of the Ethereum network.
- Assess the Potential Impact of EOF: Stakeholders should assess the potential impact of the Ethereum Object Format (EOF) on the Ethereum network’s functionality and efficiency, as it is being considered for implementation in the Prague/Electra upgrade.
