Ethereum developers have launched the Dencun update, featuring proto-danksharding (EIP-4844), on the Goerli test network. This update is a precursor to the mainnet release expected by the end of the first quarter of the year. The Dencun update was forked on the Goerli test network around 9:35 AM local time.
The key feature of the Dencun update on Goerli is the introduction of EIP-4844, known as proto-danksharding. This new transaction mechanism allows Ethereum nodes to temporarily store and access off-chain data, reducing storage demands.
The update is particularly significant for decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum network, as it is expected to substantially lower transaction fees and provide significant benefits to Layer 2 rollup networks.
Developers have adopted a two-stage approach in preparation for the transition, with the Dencun update first being applied to various test networks before its mainnet deployment. Today, the update was deployed on Goerli, the first major test network, with subsequent deployments scheduled for the Sepolia network on January 31 and the Holesky network on February 7, leading up to the final goal of a mainnet release.
Despite the rollout of the Dencun update on Goerli, Ethereum’s native asset Ether (ETH) has so far shown no significant market reaction, trading at $2,551 with a 1.14% increase over the last 24 hours at the time of writing.