Categories: Ethereum

The Ethereum Testnet Dencun Fork Time Is Tentatively Set On January 17

Key Points:

Ethereum testnet Dencun plans to upgrade on January 17, 2024, introducing “proto-danksharding” for improved data storage and reduced Layer 2 fees.
Testing includes subsequent trials on Goerli, Sepolia, and Holesky, with mainnet changes expected by the end of February 2024.
The Avail and StarkWare collaboration targets enhanced data availability for Starknet Layer 2 appchains.

In a recent bi-weekly dev meeting held on December 21, Ethereum developers have tentatively set January 17, 2024, as the date for the first testnet deployment of the much-anticipated “Dencun” upgrade. Originally scheduled for Q4 2023, the upgrade was rescheduled to 2024 due to engineering complexities.

Ethereum Testnet Dencun Sets Date for Upgrade Deployment

The Ethereum Testnet Dencun upgrade introduces “proto-danksharding,” a process that enhances Ethereum’s data storage capacity, thereby reducing fees for Layer 2 rollups and scaling the blockchain by increasing space for data “blobs.”

Tim Beiko, the protocol support lead at the Ethereum Foundation, emphasized that the January 17 date is not final and may change if major issues arise. The team plans to release a blog post about the fork during the week of January 8, 2024, providing stakeholders with at least a week to prepare for the update.

The draft timeline for the Ethereum Testnet Dencun upgrade testing phase outlines subsequent tests on Goerli, Sepolia on January 31, 2024, and Holesky on February 7, 2024. Pending successful testing, the developers aim to deploy changes on the mainnet by the end of February 2024. However, these dates are subject to adjustment based on testnet fork results.

Dencun represents Ethereum’s first major upgrade since ‘Shapella’ earlier in the year, which enabled staked ether withdrawals. The upgrade’s key feature, “proto-danksharding,” is designed to improve Ethereum’s data storage capacity, reducing fees and scaling the blockchain.

In addition to the Dencun upgrade, the meeting highlighted a collaboration between Avail and StarkWare. The partnership focuses on enhancing data availability for appchains within the Starknet Layer 2 network, utilizing Madara, a customizable sequencer, to develop Layer 3 appchains.

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Harold

With a passion for untangling the complexities of the financial world, I've spent over four years in financial journalism, covering everything from traditional equities to the cutting edge of venture capital. "The financial markets are a fascinating puzzle," I often say, "and I love helping people make sense of them." That's what drives me to bring clear and insightful financial journalism to the readers of Coincu.