Spadina, the Ethereum testnet that was due for launch September 29, encountered some difficulties due to low participation of testers and a technical flaw. In a release by the lead developer of the project, Danny Ryan, the testnet will have to be continued after developers have gone back to the drawing table to ascertain the reason for the failed test.
15 minutes until the Spadina testnet launch party goes live!https://t.co/BYt3R5zdDs
— ETH2 Staking Community Call (@Eth2Scc) September 29, 2020
The short-term testnet was supposed to simulate the first block of Ethereum 2.0, the enhanced version of the blockchain network that would usher in a scaled network that caters for the ever increasing demand for gas on the network.
Spadina differs from the Medalla testnet that works on the simulation of the proposed transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake for Ethereum 2.0. the advantage of the new consensus is that aside scaling the network, it would be protected by validators who would contribute more than half of a million ETH to protect the network.
According to Prysm Labs, the failed Spadina test gave developers insight into what could have gone wrong in a mainnet launch for Ethereum 2.0 debar the test. The firm said that what developers noticed is low participation, confusion and invalid deposits in what could be referred to as a rehearsal for the mining of the first (genesis) block on Ethereum 2.0.
“Small errors in the client release process [greatly] exacerbated this problem, resulting in ~1/3 participation in the first few epochs,” said Ryan.
According to Prysm, the hitch with testnet launch is not completely unexpected since it is part of a broader work in progress. The main issue is the inability of a blockchain to commence correctly. This would be a big deal if it were a mainnet, but for the testnet, all the developers need do is go back to the drawing board. And that’s exactly what Ryan said they would do. It is expected that the retrial of Spadina will take place by next week.
“As this is a dress rehearsal, we ask you to take genesis seriously. Only make deposits for vals you intend to run, and if at all possible, be attentive in the 24 hours leading to genesis — upgrading your node if necessary.”
