Zilliqa, a leading layer 1 blockchain platform designed to facilitate a broad array of Web3 applications and services across different industries, has launched and made available to the public the Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0, the next evolution of the network.
Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0 now live
Announced in a September 12, 2024 press release, Jasper proto-testnet launch represents the first step on the roadmap to build Zilliqa 2.0, a fast-finality, scalable blockchain protocol featuring a native Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) execution layer that supports standard EVM development tools and wallets.
Designed to drive mass adoption for Web3 and decentralised finance (DeFi), Zilliqa 2.0 is built to also retain a custom execution layer based on the Scilla smart contract language.
The launch of Jasper exists as the first implementation of the Zilliqa 2.0 consensus mechanism, which comprises proof-of-stake (PoS) and Pipelined Fast-HotStuff to facilitate fast and efficient transaction processing on the network.
Zilliqa 2.0’s Jasper proto-testnet has been publicly released to allow developers and validators to test the enhanced features of the new, upgraded network. At this stage, validators can experiment with running blockchain nodes, with options for SSNs to join as testnet validators.
Accordingly, the Zilliqa development team has invited validators worldwide to seize the opportunity to become pioneers of Zilliqa 2.0 through exploring, onboarding validator nodes and giving feedback on the groundbreaking test environment.
“We invite developers and businesses to join us in exploring the possibilities of this groundbreaking network,” Zilliqa Head of Research Zoltan Fazekas said in his reaction to the positive development. “This is an opportunity to play a key role in the future of the network and earn sustainable rewards by contributing to its security and resilience,” part of the announcement read.
In addition, Fazekas said: “The Jasper proto-testnet is not just a test environment – it’s the beginning of a new era in blockchain technology, where speed, efficiency, and user-friendliness converge. This launch marks a significant step forward in realising our vision for Zilliqa 2.0.”
The mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0
Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet is expected to be launched in Q4 of 2024, according to the project’s roadmap. Its core features include x-shards, smart accounts, light clients and cross-chain communication with other blockchain platforms such as Cardano and Solana.
While the specific date remains undisclosed at the time of writing, Zilliqa 2.0’s Jasper proto-testnet launch will be closely followed by the Aventurine proto-mainnet launch, Agate mainnet launch, Onyx mainnet upgrade, Carnelian mainnet upgrade and Citrine mainnet upgrade accordingly.
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