that much Kintsugi 🍵 Merge TestnetReleased in late December, it was a valuable testing ground for The Merge. Through various test suites, a multi-client devnet, a shadow fork of Goerli, application distribution, and community help #TestingTheMerge, we arrived at a stable and robust set of protocol specifications. Now that our customers have implemented these latest specifications, Kintsugi’s successor, Kiln 🔥🧱, is here!
Like the Ethereum mainnet, Kiln’s execution layer was launched as a proof-of-work in parallel with a beacon chain running proof-of-stake. The merger occurred in Kiln on March 15, 2022. The network is now running entirely on Proof-of-Stake!
Kiln is expected to be the last merged testnet created before the existing public testnet is upgraded. Application and tool developers, node operators, infrastructure providers, and stakers are encouraged to test on Kiln to ensure a smooth transition from the existing public testnet.
The previous merge testnet, Kintsugi, will be deprecated in the coming weeks.
kiln use
Getting started
The easiest way to start using Kiln is to landing page. From here you can add networks to your browser wallet, view the block explorer, request funds from Faucet, and connect to the JSON RPC endpoint. If you want to become a Kiln validator, Staking Launchpad Network support is also provided.
Application and Tooling Developer
With Kiln released, it’s time to verify that the product is working as expected with context after the Proof-of-Stake conversion and merge. As explained in previous post, the merge will have minimal impact on the subset of contracts deployed on Ethereum, none of which must be violated. Additionally, most of the user API endpoints remain stable (that is, unless you use PoW-specific methods, such as: eth_getWork).
That said, most applications on Ethereum involve much more than on-chain contracts. Kiln is where you want to ensure that your front-end code, tools, deployment pipelines, and other off-chain components are working as intended. Developers are strongly encouraged to run a full test and deployment cycle on Kiln and report any issues related to tools or dependencies to the maintainer for their project. If you’re not sure where to open an issue, use: this repository.
node operator
After merging, an Ethereum full node becomes a combination of a consensus layer client that runs proof-of-stake on the beacon chain and an execution layer client that manages user state and executes computations related to transactions. It uses a new set of JSON RPC methods to communicate over authenticated ports. Engine API.
Therefore, node operators must run consensus and execution layer clients simultaneously. This means that if you were already running nodes on the beacon chain, you now need to run the execution layer client as well. Likewise, if you are currently running a node on a proof-of-work network, you will need to run a consensus layer client.
You can find the latest releases of the clients supported by Kiln. here.
It is worth emphasizing that each layer maintains an independent set of peers and exposes its own API. that much beacon and JSON RPC Therefore, all of your APIs will continue to work as expected.
striker
As described above, validators in the beacon chain must run the execution layer client after the merge. Pre-merge is strongly recommended, but it has been possible for validators to outsource this function to third-party providers. This was possible because the only data needed by the execution layer were updates to the deposit contract.
After merging, validators must verify that the transactions in the blocks they create and prove are valid. This requires an execution layer client. This expands the responsibilities of validators while giving validators proposing blocks the right to the associated transaction priority fees (currently passed on to miners).
Validator rewards are accrued and withdrawn from the beacon chain, requiring subsequent upgrades, but transaction fees continue to be paid, burned, and distributed by the execution layer. Therefore, validators can designate any Ethereum address as the recipient of transaction fees.
Kiln is the perfect environment for existing stakers to become familiar with the Ethereum context after the merge. We recommend mirroring your production setup on your network and resolving the issue now.
I repeat, Staking Launchpad Provides a simple interface to get started. Please refer to it as part of it Change name from “eth2.0”, Ethereum/eth2.0-deposit-cli The repository name will soon change to: Ethereum/staking-deposit-cli.
frequently asked questions
Do you want to merge?
The Ethereum mainnet Proof-of-Stake conversion date is as follows: ~ no This is set at the time of this post. Any source that claims otherwise is likely a scam. Updates will be posted on this blog. Stay safe!
Assuming no issues are found in Kiln, existing Ethereum testnets (Goerli, Ropsten, etc.) will run through The Merge once the customer finalizes implementation details. If the transition is successful and stabilizes, assuming no problems are found, Difficulty value Set up for mainnet transition. Only then can we estimate the exact date of The Merge.
Is there anything I need to do as an Ethereum user or Ethereum holder?
no. If you want to try Kiln, definitely do it. We hope many community members will join Kiln’s #TestingTheMerge.
The Ethereum mainnet is not affected by this testnet. Follow-up announcements will be made through this blog prior to mainnet conversion.
Is there anything I need to do as a miner?
no. If you mine on the Ethereum mainnet, you should know that after The Merge, the network will operate entirely on Proof-of-Stake. At that point mining will no longer be possible on the network.
Can I withdraw my stake as a validator?
no. The merge is the most complex upgrade to Ethereum to date. To minimize the risk of network outage, this upgrade takes a minimalist approach, excluding untranslated changes.
Beacon chain withdrawals will be available from the first upgrade after The Merge. Both specifications consensus and execution Layers are in progress.
Why a kiln?
The previous merged testnet, Kintsugi, is named after the Japanese technique of breaking down ceramics and fixing them using gold to make them stronger and more beautiful.
In a similar vein, a Kiln is a high-temperature oven used to shape clay into hard objects such as pottery or bricks🔥🧱.