Ethereum launches testnet for Shanghai upgrade: Here’s what’s next

Staked Ether (sETH) withdrawal minimizing gas charges are the developments expected using the next critical enhancements for that Ethereum network, the Shanghai upgrade. The testnet version, dubbed Shandong, has become live. Developers are now able to begin their work around the implementations. a procedure likely to continue until September 2023. 

This is actually the initial update since Ethereum’s consensus switched to proof-of-stake (PoS) in September following the mainnet and Beacon Chains merged.

Furthermore, the approaching upgrade introduces an elemental switch to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), we’ve got the technology that forces the network smart contracts. EIP-3540, or EVM object format, is among the community’s most-anticipated updates because it separates coding from data, that could be advantageous for on-chain validators. Galen Moore, content lead at Axelar, told Cointelegraph concerning the proposal:

“From my perspective, EIP-3540 is easily the most significant upgrade suggested for Shanghai. It’s an additional step toward interoperability inside the Ethereum ecosystem. Presently, layer-2 systems on Ethereum make use of a cumbersome code validation process. EIP-3540 separates code and knowledge, making that process more effective. It’s especially great news for that growing ecosystem of Polygon Supernets — Decentralized application chains built on Polygon Edge.”

Another expected proposal is EIP-4895, that will allow sETH and earned rewards withdrawals through the Beacon Chain. To guarantee network stability, validators with sETH presently cannot withdraw funds directly. 

Related: Will the Ethereum Merge provide a new place to go for institutional investors?

One of the proposals into consideration, the upgrade may also introduce changes to layer-2 protocols, reducing gas prices by equalizing block sizes and growing calldata efficiency within the network. Moore also noted:

“When specialized chains can take shape on the layer-2 like Polygon and lower the price of contacting the bottom chain Ethereum, that reduces gas prices for users all around the ecosystem — by looking into making it more effective to scale horizontally in a manner that spreads demand.”

As formerly as reported by Cointelegraph, the Merge was the initial step within this five-part process, that has since been elaborated upon with a number of Ethereum developers, ecosystem participants and commentators. The important thing change from the Merge may be the drastic decrease in power consumption, reducing Ethereum’s energy usage by 99%. 

Additional steps in the future range from the Surge, an essential part of growing the scalability from the blockchain’s capability to store and access data, adopted through the Verge, Purge and Splurge. The final three stages in Ethereum’s ongoing development and hang to occur within the next couple of years.

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