Solana's New Year Kickoff: Innovative Proposals and Exciting Developments

As we step into the new year, the Solana ecosystem is buzzing with activity and innovation. The latest episode of Solana Changelog, featuring Jacob and Joe, brings us up to speed on the latest developments in the Solana blockchain. From new SIMD proposals to upcoming hackathons, there's a lot to unpack in this informative discussion.

SIMD 16: A New Approach to Application Fees

One of the most intriguing topics discussed in this episode is the Solana Improvement Document (SIMD) 16. This proposal introduces a novel concept of application-controlled fees for writable accounts. But what does this mean for the Solana ecosystem?

SIMD 16 proposes a mechanism that allows decentralized applications (dApps) to set fees for writable accounts. In essence, this means that applications running on the Solana blockchain could have more control over the economic aspects of their operations. Joe explains:

"As part of this proposal, there's going to be a new program for application fees. So what you can do is you can set fees for if you if basically if you own the program, you can set fees for writeable accounts on the program."

This proposal could have far-reaching implications for how dApps operate on Solana. For instance, it could allow popular decentralized exchanges like Orca to dynamically adjust fees based on market conditions. Joe elaborates:

"Say you have orca trading on a martin, people are trading on a specific market and that market's really hot. You can actually orca can change it. That fees for that market and make it higher or lower at their will so that they can kind of manage the user experience and how people trade on the market."

The Debate: Centralization vs. Market-Based Fees

While the proposed SIMD 16 offers exciting possibilities, it also raises some important questions about the nature of fee structures in blockchain ecosystems. Jacob points out a potential concern:

"I feel like that sort of competes with the idea of having like more of like a market based fee setting, right? Like that's a little bit more of like an authoritative almost centralized way of doing things, wouldn't you say?"

This observation highlights the ongoing debate in the blockchain community about the balance between centralized control and decentralized, market-driven mechanisms. Joe acknowledges this, noting that the proposal is still open for discussion:

"There is kind of a discussion around that and it's part of the discussion on the SIMD. It also kind of it goes hand in hand with like, okay, SIMD 16 is these application fees that are designated by the actual D apps that run applications on the network. And then there's also like SIMD, I think it's four, which is kind of like changing the base fees and fees based off of computation, a confidential cost."

Community Involvement in Solana's Evolution

One of the strengths of the Solana ecosystem is its commitment to community involvement. Both Jacob and Joe emphasize the importance of public opinion in shaping these proposals. Jacob encourages listeners to participate in the discussion:

"I encourage anybody who wants to kind of like weigh in on that, go ahead, like that's part of the proposal process, you know, like we want public opinion, we want to have as many kind of like ideas flowing around and thoughts on different proposals. So go ahead and weigh in."

This open approach to development ensures that Solana's evolution is guided not just by core developers, but by the broader community of users and developers who interact with the blockchain daily.

Hands-On Experience with SIMD 16

For developers and enthusiasts eager to explore the implications of SIMD 16, there's good news. Joe mentions that a Proof of Concept (PoC) is available:

"There's also the people that created it, they have a PFC. So you can actually try it out and see what it looks like for you and get the hands and feel of it."

This PoC provides a valuable opportunity for the community to interact with the proposed changes and provide informed feedback. It's a testament to Solana's commitment to transparency and community-driven development.

Sandstorm: Kickstarting the Year with a Hackathon

As we move into the new year, the Solana ecosystem is abuzz with opportunities for developers. Joe highlights an exciting event on the horizon:

"There's a hackathon being put on by Helius Labs and Landport Dow. And they've got tons of sponsors, tons of prizes. It's called Sandstorm. And that runs from I believe January 10th to the 23rd. It's an online virtual hackathon."

This hackathon presents a fantastic opportunity for developers to dive into Solana development, potentially win prizes, and kick-start new projects. It's a clear indication of the vibrant and supportive developer community that Solana has fostered.

Developer Support in the Solana Ecosystem

For those participating in the Sandstorm hackathon or working on Solana projects in general, Jacob emphasizes the wealth of support available:

"If you have questions on things when you're developing in this new hackathon, like feel free to ask them on either the Sonos Stack Exchange and Discord, etc. Like, there's tons of people willing to help out."

This robust support system is a key factor in Solana's growing popularity among developers. It ensures that newcomers to the ecosystem can quickly find help and guidance, fostering innovation and growth.

Recent Commits: Enhancing Transparency and User Experience

The episode also touches on some recent commits to the Solana codebase that promise to enhance the network's transparency and user experience. One such change involves the way transactions are counted:

"There was kind of a change to be able to count non-vote transactions, as well as vote transactions kind of separately in the bank. This kind of allows you to get a more realistic TPS via the get sampled performance RPC call."

This change will provide a more accurate picture of network activity, allowing users and developers to better understand the true transaction throughput of the Solana blockchain.

Improved Explorer Functionality

Another useful update mentioned by Joe is the addition of closed account information to the Solana Explorer:

"The closed accounts now appear on the Explorer, which, you know, is kind of cool. So you can see that account has been closed. You can get confirmation there."

This seemingly small change can significantly improve the user experience, providing clearer information about account statuses and transactions.

Addressing Validator Commission Changes

Perhaps one of the most impactful changes discussed is a new approach to validator commission changes. Jacob explains:

"There was a PR pulled in kind of locking in a way, commission changes in the second half of an epic. So what we were kind of seeing recently was that some validators were changing their commission rates at the last minute, which is not a great user experience."

This change aims to prevent potential abuse by validators and improve transparency for users. Jacob continues:

"In order to kind of like give time for users to react to maybe malicious validators changing their commission rates, their commission changes would be locked with this feature at the second half of the epic, giving a decent amount of time for people to react if their validator is changing things."

The Impact on Validators and Users

While this change offers clear benefits for users, it does introduce some new considerations for validators. Jacob notes:

"I think it kind of like changes the way that you can change commission. Like if you can't change it as quickly in this, like you'll have to wait until the second half of the epic is complete."

However, it's important to note that this change isn't set in stone yet. As Jacob explains:

"Now note this, it was pulled in, but this will probably have to go up to like a value or to vote to actually implement. So it will be a discussion across validators of whether or not like, Hey, we should we vote this to be in to the network? Or should we just keep it the way it is in the current state?"

This process once again underscores Solana's commitment to community-driven decision making, ensuring that major changes are thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by network participants.

Looking Ahead: A Big Year for Solana

As the discussion wraps up, there's a palpable sense of excitement about what's to come for Solana in the new year. Joe remarks:

"Everybody's just getting warmed up and getting started for the new year. Yeah, yeah, it's going to be a big year. You can already feel the sentiment. You know, I think the community is already coming back online. Everybody got a little bit of rest."

This optimism is well-founded. With innovative proposals like SIMD 16, exciting events like the Sandstorm hackathon, and ongoing improvements to network transparency and user experience, Solana is positioning itself for significant growth and development in the coming months.

The Importance of Community Engagement

Throughout the discussion, one theme remains constant: the critical role of community engagement in Solana's development. From providing feedback on SIMD proposals to participating in hackathons and contributing to code improvements, the Solana community is at the heart of the network's evolution.

This collaborative approach not only ensures that Solana remains responsive to user needs but also fosters a sense of ownership and investment among community members. It's this strong community foundation that will likely play a crucial role in Solana's continued success and growth in the competitive blockchain landscape.

Balancing Innovation and Stability

As Solana continues to evolve, the challenge will be to balance rapid innovation with the need for stability and reliability. Proposals like SIMD 16 demonstrate Solana's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in blockchain technology. At the same time, changes to validator commission structures show a focus on improving the network's underlying mechanics and user trust.

This dual focus on innovation and stability is crucial for any blockchain platform aiming for long-term success and widespread adoption. By continuously improving both the developer experience and the end-user experience, Solana is working to create a robust, versatile, and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem.

The Road Ahead for Solana

As we look to the future, it's clear that Solana is poised for an exciting year. The proposals and changes discussed in this episode are just the beginning. With a vibrant community, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on user experience, Solana is well-positioned to continue its growth and potentially reshape the blockchain landscape.

Whether you're a developer looking to build the next big dApp, a validator contributing to network security, or an end-user exploring the world of decentralized finance, Solana offers a wealth of opportunities. The Sandstorm hackathon, in particular, presents an excellent chance for newcomers and experienced developers alike to dive into the Solana ecosystem and potentially create something revolutionary.

As Jacob and Joe sign off, there's a sense of anticipation for what's to come. With regular updates like these and a community eager to contribute and innovate, Solana's journey through 2023 promises to be nothing short of fascinating. Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to get involved – whether it's through providing feedback on SIMD proposals, participating in hackathons, or simply staying informed about the latest developments in the Solana ecosystem.

The blockchain world is evolving rapidly, and Solana is clearly at the forefront of this evolution. With its focus on scalability, speed, and now, enhanced flexibility for dApp economics, Solana is not just keeping pace with the changing landscape – it's helping to shape it. As we move further into 2023, all eyes will be on Solana to see how these exciting developments unfold and what new innovations emerge from this dynamic and forward-thinking blockchain platform.

Facts + Figures

• SIMD 16 proposes application-controlled fees for writable accounts on Solana
• A new program for application fees will allow dApp owners to set fees for writable accounts on their programs
• The Sandstorm hackathon, organized by Helius Labs and Landport Dow, runs from January 10th to 23rd, 2023
• Recent commits allow for separate counting of non-vote and vote transactions in the Solana bank
• Closed accounts now appear on the Solana Explorer for improved transparency
• A new proposal aims to lock validator commission changes in the second half of an epoch
• The commission change lock is designed to prevent last-minute changes by validators and improve user experience
• The commission change lock proposal will require a validator vote to be implemented
• Solana's community is encouraged to provide feedback on SIMD proposals and participate in discussions
• A Proof of Concept (PoC) is available for developers to try out the proposed SIMD 16 changes
• The Solana community offers support through various channels including Solana Stack Exchange and Discord
• The recent changes aim to provide a more accurate picture of Solana's transaction throughput
• The Solana ecosystem is showing signs of renewed activity and optimism for the new year

Questions Answered

What is SIMD 16?

SIMD 16 is a Solana Improvement Document proposal that introduces application-controlled fees for writable accounts. It allows decentralized applications (dApps) running on Solana to set and adjust fees for accounts that can be modified, giving them more control over their economic model. This proposal aims to provide flexibility for dApps to manage user experience and adapt to market conditions.

How will SIMD 16 affect dApps on Solana?

SIMD 16 will give dApp owners the ability to set and adjust fees for writable accounts within their programs. This means applications like decentralized exchanges could dynamically adjust their fees based on market conditions or user activity. For example, a popular trading market could increase fees during high-demand periods or decrease them to attract more users, allowing for more flexible and responsive economic models on the Solana blockchain.

What is the Sandstorm hackathon?

The Sandstorm hackathon is an online virtual event organized by Helius Labs and Landport Dow, running from January 10th to 23rd, 2023. It offers developers an opportunity to build projects on Solana, with multiple sponsors and prizes available. This hackathon is designed to encourage innovation within the Solana ecosystem and provides a platform for developers to kickstart new projects or bring their ideas to life.

What changes have been made to transaction counting on Solana?

Recent commits to the Solana codebase have introduced the ability to count non-vote transactions separately from vote transactions in the bank. This change allows for a more accurate representation of the network's transaction throughput, providing a clearer picture of actual user activity on the blockchain. The update enables users to get a more realistic Transactions Per Second (TPS) metric via the 'get sampled performance' RPC call.

How is Solana addressing the issue of last-minute validator commission changes?

Solana has proposed a change that would lock validator commission changes in the second half of an epoch. This proposal aims to prevent validators from making last-minute commission rate changes, which can negatively impact user experience. By implementing this lock, users would have more time to react to commission changes, improving transparency and trust in the validator system. However, this proposal still needs to be voted on by validators before implementation.

What new features have been added to the Solana Explorer?

The Solana Explorer now displays information about closed accounts. This update allows users to see when an account has been closed, providing confirmation and improving overall transparency. This feature enhances the user experience by offering clearer information about account statuses and transactions on the Solana blockchain.

How is Solana encouraging community participation in its development?

Solana strongly encourages community participation in its development process. The team actively seeks public opinion on improvement proposals like SIMD 16, provides Proof of Concept implementations for testing, and maintains open channels for feedback and discussion. Additionally, Solana offers various support resources for developers, including the Solana Stack Exchange and Discord channels, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for innovation and problem-solving.

What is the overall outlook for Solana in the coming year?

The outlook for Solana in the coming year appears very positive. With new proposals like SIMD 16, upcoming events like the Sandstorm hackathon, and ongoing improvements to network functionality and transparency, Solana is positioned for significant growth and development. The community's renewed activity and optimism, coupled with Solana's commitment to innovation and user experience, suggest that 2023 could be a big year for the Solana ecosystem.