Goerli Dencun Advertisement | Ethereum Foundation Blog

• The blobs are coming: Dencun will activate in Goerli at 6:32 UTC on January 17, 2024.
• Dencun will be the last update to Goerli before the core teams stop supporting it. More on this in a Previous post.
• Assuming the Goerli update goes well, the Sepolia and Holesky testnets will activate Dencun over the next few weeks.
• To receive an email alert about network update announcements, subscribe here.

The Dencun network upgrade is scheduled to go live on the Goerli testnet in 6:32 UTC January 17. The update includes several changes, notably the introduction of ephemeral data blobs with EIP-4844, also known as “protodanksharding”, which will help reduce L2 transaction fees.

Dencun follows last year Shapella Update. It will first be deployed on the Goerli testnet. Then, if no major problems are found, to Sepolia and Holesky. Once Dencun is running smoothly on all three test networks, the main network will be scheduled for activation.

Dencun will be the last update of Goerli. Once activated on the mainnet, the EF client and test machines will no longer support the Goerli testnet. For more details, see this prior announcement.

Upgrade Specification

The Dencun update combines changes to ethereum's consensus and execution layers. The full list of protocol changes can be found at ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7569″>EIP-7569. For reference, they are:

deneb

The full Python specifications for changes affecting the ethereum consensus layer can be found at ethereum/consensus-specs/tree/dev/specs/deneb”>deneb file of the ethereum/consensus specifications repository.

Cancun

The EIPs linked above contain the complete specifications for changes affecting the ethereum execution layer.

Additionally, a Python specification for these is being implemented in the ethereum/execution-specs/pulls?q=is%3Apr+base%3Aforks%2Fcancun”>ethereum/execution specifications repository.

Finally, Deneb requires changes to the engine API, used for communication between consensus and execution layer nodes. These are specified in the ethereum/execution-apis/blob/main/src/engine/cancun.md”>cancun.md archive of the ethereum/execution-apis repository.

Customer releases

The following client versions support Dencun on Goerli. Other versions will activate support on other test networks and the main network. Once they are published, another announcement will be made here.

When choosing which client to run, validators should especially consider the risks of running a majority client at the execution layer (EL) or consensus layer (CL). An explanation of these risks and their consequences can be found. ethereum/2022/03/24/run-the-majority-client-at-your-own-peril.html”>here. You can find an estimate of the current distribution of EL and CL clients and guides for switching from one client to another. here.

Consensus Layer Goerli Releases

Note– When a validator runs, both the consensus layer beacon node and the validator client must be updated.

Goerli releases from the runtime layer

Note: While Reth supports Dencun, the client is still pending a full audit and is not recommended for production use. Watch the Reth README for more context.

Dencun Bug Bounty Bonus

All Dencun-related bug bounties for in-scope vulnerabilities will receive a 2x multiplier between now and two weeks before the scheduled mainnet update date. Critical bugs are now worth up to $500,000 USD! Watch the ethereum.org/en/bug-bounty/”>bug bounty program for more details.

Frequently asked questions

<h3 class="chakra-heading css-145upk7" id="as-an-ethereum-user-or-ether-holder-is-there-anything-i-need-to-do”>As an ethereum user or Ether holder, is there anything I need to do?

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 that you need to take additional steps.

If you run your own ethereum node, see the next question.

As not bet goerli Node operator, what should I do?

To support the Goerli upgrade, upgrade your node to the version of your ethereum client listed in the table above.

As a goerli Staker, what do I have to do?

To support the Goerli upgrade, upgrade your node to the version of your ethereum client listed in the table above. Make sure both your beacon node and validator client are up to date!

As a non-Goerli node operator or staker, what should I do?

Nothing for now. Further announcements will be made regarding the activation of Dencun on Sepolia, Holesky and mainnet. You can sign up to receive an email alert for them. here.

Gamblers who want to go through the upgrade process more times before the mainnet are encouraged to use it. ephemery.devwho will soon support Dencun.

What happens if I am a Goerli staker or node operator and do not participate in the update?

If you are using an ethereum client that is not updated to the latest version (listed above), your client will sync to the pre-fork blockchain once the update occurs.

You will be trapped on an incompatible chain following the old rules and will not be able to send Ether or operate on the post-Dencun ethereum network.

As an application or tool developer, what should I do?

Review the EIPs included in Dencun to determine if and how they affect your project. Many new and interesting features are being introduced in both the execution and consensus layers! The only EIPs with backward compatibility implications are ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-6780″>EIP-6780, ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7044″>EIP-7044 and ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7514″>EIP-7514.

Where can I follow the update?

Goerli update will be broadcast live here.

Why “Dencun”?

Consensus layer updates use star names, and execution layer updates follow Devcon city names. “Dencun” is the combination of Deneb, a first magnitude star in the constellation Cygnus, and Cancun, the location of Devcon 3.

Original cover image from Darren Lorenzowith modifications of tomo saito.