Bitrabo Editorial
The Cardano network gears up for the upcoming Chang hard fork, signaling the onset of the Voltaire era. The latest node validator software version 9.1.0 paves the way for this transition by integrating crucial updates necessary for the hard fork. Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, shared the news via X, emphasizing the significance of the update for SPOs as the community welcomes Chang.
Intersect, a member-based organization within the ADA ecosystem focusing on blockchain continuity and future improvements, echoed the announcement, declaring the arrival of node 9.1.0 and highlighting its role in enabling on-chain decision-making within Cardano.
Cardano Chang Hard Fork Initializes
The shift from node version 9.0.0 to 9.1.0 becomes notable with the introduction of the mandatory Conway genesis file during startup, a critical component for the Chang hard fork transition which was previously optional.
Aside from the genesis file update, node 9.1.0 brings a host of bug fixes and enhancements to both the command-line interface (CLI) and the application programming interface (API). Noteworthy additions include the introduction of the “query treasury” command for better insights into the network’s financial activities.
The updates also ensure alignment with significant Cardano Improvement Proposals, such as CIP69 standardizing metadata structures, and CIP119 introducing a transaction metadata label for improved transaction identification and processing.
According to Intersect, the community holds the power to determine the activation of the Chang hard fork, which will proceed once 70% of validators have upgraded to the new node.
The Chang hard fork is poised to boost Cardano’s functionality significantly, moving from the Vasil upgrade towards a decentralized decision-making foundation through the implementation of CIP-1694 on-chain governance mechanisms.
This incorporates a community-based governance model where ADA holders actively partake in decision-making through on-chain consensus. Additionally, Delegate Representatives (DReps) will have a key role in representing community interests and shaping the network’s trajectory.
The Chang upgrade unfolds in two main stages. The first, Chang Upgrade #1, will introduce the initial set of governance features to Cardano, kickstarting the technical bootstrapping phase outlined in CIP-1694.
The subsequent phase, Chang Upgrade #2, will transition these governance mechanisms beyond the bootstrap phase, enabling full functionality of on-chain governance, including DRep involvement and comprehensive governance actions.
This upgrade also serves as a dedication to Phil Chang, a pivotal figure in Cardano’s governance strategies at IOG, who passed away in 2022. His contributions have been fundamental to shaping the vision of the Voltaire era, now being realized through the Chang upgrade.
As of the latest update, ADA is trading at $0.4134.