The core developers of Ethereum (ETH) successfully launched the shadow fork for the Shanghai update on January 23.
Ethereum Developer Marius Van Der Wijden saying that the shadow fork started with some problems because they did not correctly apply the configuration in Go Ethereum (GETH), an Ethereum runtime client.
However, when the corrections were made, all the nodes were in agreement. Van Der Wijden added that he and another developer, Potuz, would “try to break it” to test its security for flaws.
A shadow fork is part of a multi-stage process that allows developers to run tests before creating a public testnet. Developers use this test version to refine their codes and designs, allowing for a seamless mainnet upgrade.
Shanghai update
The Shanghai upgrade is the first significant upgrade Ethereum will undergo since it completed its migration to a proof-of-stake (PoS) network. The update will allow the withdrawal of the more than 16 million Ethereum wagered.
Other developments expected with the upgrade include gas tariff reduction for Layer 2 (L2) solutions and efficiency in data storage and access.
The developers have set a March target for the implementation of this update.
