Ethereum Foundation Launches Testnet Before Shanghai Dubbed Shandong: Here’s What You Need To Know
The Ethereum Foundation has announced the launch of a new test network, called “Shandong”. The testnet will allow developers to test their protocols before “Shanghai” goes live, which is the first upgrade to the Ethereum post-merger process, which is expected to take place in 2023. Shandong will be a testing ground for many Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), which Ethereum core developers will build, refine, and ultimately, cut down on the number of selected updates that will be included. into Shanghai when it finally goes into operation. Among these EIPs are considerations for network efficiency, scalability, and gas prices.
Several Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) are currently under consideration for inclusion in Shanghai while the testnet is live. These can solve some of the efficiency and scalability issues plaguing the network.
We are happy to announce the launch of an early test network before Shanghai which we call “Shandong”. 🔥https://t.co/1HpFTPUMOU
This is a testnet run in partnership with EF DevOps, enabling a select set of EIPs in Shanghai for initial customer testing.
– EF JavaScript Team (@EFJavaScript) October 14, 2022
Arguably the most anticipated proposal of the lot is EIP 4895. This will allow users to withdraw ETH deposited on the Beacon Chain, along with any rewards accumulated over time. As it stands, staking ETH as part of the Beacon Chain validating process cannot directly withdraw their staking or rewards. Instead, anyone intending to access those funds must resort to liquidity tokens that represent their assets.
Another EIP under consideration is 4844, saw the birth of proto-danksharding. The proposal seeks to facilitate more data processing on the Ethereum network, thereby reducing gas fees. Proto-danksharding will also allow Layer 2 networks like Optimism and Arbitrum to process a large number of ETH transactions.
While many Ethereum developers seem excited about proto-danksharding, its inclusion in Shanghai will prolong the time it takes to test and fix the upgrade.
A third proposal worth mentioning under consideration is EIP 3540. In relation to one of the EIPs included in the London Upgrade of Ethereum (EIP 3541), the proposal concerns the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The EIP 3540 is capable of facilitating code and data separation, making it easy to add future changes to the EVM.