- Retreats are coming! Shapella network upgrade will go live on Goerli network in epoch 162304scheduled for 22:25:36 UTC on March 14, 2023
- Stakers and node operators should read this post as well as the Withdrawal FAQ
- He Zhejiang test network can be used to test Shapella functionality before Goerli update
- TO Shapella Community Call is scheduled for 15:00 UTC on March 13, 2023
- You can now sign up to receive emails for these update announcements. Scroll to the bottom of the page to do so 📩
After a gentle sepolia transition, the Shapella update is now scheduled for the Goerli testnet. This is expected to be the last testnet update before scheduling Shapella for the Ethereum mainnet.
This update follows the fusion and allows validators to withdraw their stake from the Beacon Chain back to the execution layer. It also introduces new functionality in both the execution and consensus layers, which is described below.
upgrade specification
The Shapella update combines changes to the execution layer (Shanghai) and the consensus layer (Capella). The engine API, which is used by the execution and consensus layers to communicate, is also modified in Shapella.
Carry off
Execution layer changes included in Shanghai are available here. For reference, they are:
Please note that EIP-6049 is just a deprecation warning. Customer teams expect SELF DESTRUCTION the semantics will change in future network updates, but the behavior of the opcode remains unchanged in Shanghai.
Additionally, the full set of Shanghai changes can now be viewed on the Ethereum Execution Layer Specification (EELS)which is a new Python reference implementation for the execution layer.
cappella
The changes to the consensus layer for the Capella update are specified in the a cappella directory of the Specifications v1.3.0-rc.3. At a high level, the update features:
- Total and partial withdrawals for validators
- BLSToExecutionChange messages, which allow validators using a BLS_WITHDRAWAL_PREFIX to update it to a ETH1_ADDRESS_WITHDRAWAL_PREFIXa prerequisite for withdrawals
- Independent state and block historical accumulators, replacing the original singular historical roots
Interested parties are encouraged to read the Withdrawal FAQ for more information on how they should prepare for Capella.
Engine API
Engine API changes can be found in the shanghai.md file of the execution-apis repository. In short, a WithdrawalV1 The structure is introduced and added to various relevant structures and methods.
customer launches
The following client versions are supported by Shanghai and Capella on the Goerli testnet. Please note that these releases are only for Goerli. A later announcement will be made for mainnet releases.
When choosing which client to run, validators must especially consider the risks of running a majority client on both EL and CL. An explanation of these risks and their consequences can be found here. An estimate of the current distribution of EL and CL clients and guides for switching from one client to another can be found here.
Consensus Layer Goerli Releases
Goerli launches the execution layer
Frequently asked questions
As an Ethereum user or Ether holder, do I need to do anything?
In short, no.
If you use an exchange, digital wallet, or hardware wallet, you don’t need to do anything unless your exchange or wallet provider tells you to take additional steps.
If you run your own Ethereum node or validator, please see the following questions.
As a non-participating node operator, what should I do?
To be compatible with the Goerli upgrade, please upgrade your node to the version of your Ethereum client shown in the table above.
As a staker, what should I do?
To be compatible with the Goerli upgrade, please upgrade your node to the version of your Ethereum client shown in the table above.
We recommend reading the Withdrawal FAQ. Also, you can try things on the ephemeral. Zhejiang test network before the activation of the update in Goerli.
Please note that Goerli will be the last testnet update before mainnet. In other words, last call to test your setup! If you have questions, we encourage you to join the Shapella Community Call.
What happens if I am a staker or node operator and I do not participate in the update?
If you are using an Ethereum client that is not updated to the latest version (mentioned above), your client will sync with the pre-fork blockchain once the update occurs.
You will be stuck on an incompatible chain following the above rules and will not be able to send Ether or operate on the post-Shapella Ethereum network.
As an application or tool developer, what should I do?
Shapella does not introduce any major changes for smart contracts. App and tool developers should review update changes to ensure that fixes are made or to understand how to use newly introduced functionality.
Why “Shapela”?
Execution layer updates follow Devcon city names and consensus layer updates follow star names. “Shapella” is the combination of Shanghai, the location of Devcon 2, and Capella, the brightest star in the northern constellation of Auriga.
Where can I monitor the update?
EthStaker is hosting a live stream during the Goerli update. You can see it here.
Help – I still have questions!
If you have more questions, you can join the Shapella Community Call on March 13 at 15:00 UTC. Customer developers, researchers, and others will be there to answer questions.
Cover image by Yiran Ding
