Dencun Upgrade Overview
Ethereum developers are preparing for the Dencun upgrade and have made progress on the testnets, with key dates for the Sepolia and Holesky testnets shared by Tim Beiko, a core Ethereum developer. The successful activation of the Goerli testnet has marked a significant milestone. The Dencun upgrade will introduce important changes, such as the implementation of Shard Blob Transactions with EIP-4844, aimed at reducing Layer 2 transaction fees, and notable protocol changes including enhancements like transient storage opcodes and beacon block root integration in the EVM. Several client releases support Dencun on both Sepolia and Holesky testnets, and Ethereum users and stakers are advised to update their nodes to ensure compatibility.
Sepiola and Mainnet Schedule
Dencun will activate the Sepolia testnet on January 30 and the Holesky testnet on February 7, with Ethereum developers emphasizing the importance of node operators updating their systems for a seamless transition. Assuming smooth operations on both testnets, Ethereum Dencun is set for activation on the mainnet, following last year’s Shapella release and aligning with Ethereum’s strategy for continuous improvements.
Why the name “Dencun”?
The Ethereum community follows a nomenclature tradition for upgrades, combining star names for consensus layer upgrades and Devcon city names for execution layer upgrades. “Dencun” symbolizes the merger of “Deneb,” a prominent star, and “Cancun,” the chosen location for Devcon 3.
In Conclusion
The Dencun upgrade is set to introduce innovative features and enhance network capabilities, so stakeholders should stay informed and participate in the upcoming testnet activations.