Solana Changelog: Epoch Rewards V2, Ledger Support for Versioned Transactions, and New Rust Frameworks

In this week's Solana Changelog, Jacob and Colin discuss several exciting developments in the Solana ecosystem. From proposals to improve epoch rewards distribution to new Rust frameworks for developers, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dive into the details of these updates and what they mean for the Solana community.

Grizzlython Hackathon Continues

The Grizzlython hackathon is still in full swing, offering developers an excellent opportunity to showcase their Solana projects. This event is crucial for the Solana ecosystem as it fosters innovation and brings new ideas to the forefront. Participating in Grizzlython is arguably the best way for developers to gain visibility for their projects within the Solana community.

Hackathons like Grizzlython play a vital role in the growth and development of blockchain ecosystems. They encourage developers to push the boundaries of what's possible on the Solana blockchain, potentially leading to groundbreaking applications and improvements to the network. For those looking to make their mark in the Solana space, Grizzlython presents an unparalleled opportunity to get noticed by key players in the ecosystem.

Third Core Community Call

Another significant event mentioned in the changelog is the third core community call. These calls bring together core developers working on the Solana protocol to discuss upcoming changes and improvements. The fact that these calls are open to the public demonstrates Solana's commitment to transparency and community involvement.

For those interested in the technical aspects of Solana's development, these core community calls offer invaluable insights. They provide a window into the decision-making processes behind protocol changes and allow community members to stay informed about the future direction of Solana. The calls take place in the core community call channel on the Solana Tech Discord, making them easily accessible to anyone interested in participating.

Public Debugging Session

One of the most intriguing events highlighted in the changelog was a public debugging session for a bug found in version 1.14 of Solana, which is currently not in beta. This session, featuring Steve and other developers, provided a rare glimpse into the problem-solving process of Solana's core team.

The public nature of this debugging session is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it showcases the transparency of Solana's development process, allowing community members to witness firsthand how issues are addressed. Second, it serves as an educational tool for aspiring blockchain developers, offering insights into debugging techniques specific to consensus systems.

For those interested in the technical aspects of blockchain development, this session is available on YouTube and comes highly recommended by Jacob. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about the intricacies of debugging in a consensus-based system like Solana.

Epoch Rewards V2 Proposal

Colin highlighted a significant proposal this week concerning epoch rewards calculation and distribution. The current system, which calculates and distributes rewards at the first slot of the epoch boundary, is facing scalability issues as the number of stake accounts increases. At present, this process can take up to 20 seconds, which is not ideal for network efficiency.

The new proposal, detailed in SIP (Solana Improvement Proposal) 15, aims to address this issue by splitting the process into two separate operations: rewards calculation and rewards distribution. Instead of performing these tasks at the first slot, the proposal suggests using a background service to handle the calculations.

This change could significantly improve the efficiency of the Solana network, especially as it continues to grow. By reducing the time taken for rewards calculation and distribution, the network can maintain its high performance even as the number of stake accounts increases.

The proposal demonstrates Solana's commitment to continuous improvement and scalability. It shows that the development team is proactively addressing potential bottlenecks before they become significant issues, which is crucial for maintaining Solana's position as a high-performance blockchain.

Cost Tracking Updates

Jacob mentioned a notable commit related to cost tracking for each bank during replay. Previously, only the leader node would perform cost tracking to ensure that blocks didn't exceed cost limits. The new change extends this capability to the entire cluster.

This update allows nodes throughout the cluster to verify whether proposed blocks adhere to the current cost limits. This enhancement improves the overall security and integrity of the Solana network by enabling more comprehensive validation of transactions and blocks.

By distributing the responsibility of cost tracking across the cluster, Solana further decentralizes its validation process. This change aligns with blockchain principles of distributed consensus and helps prevent potential attacks or manipulations that could occur if cost tracking were limited to a single point in the network.

New Rust Frameworks: Kaizen and Oxylana

Colin highlighted two new Rust-based frameworks introduced to the Solana ecosystem: Kaizen and Oxylana. These frameworks represent a significant development for Rust enthusiasts and Solana developers alike.

Oxylana is described as a full-stack Rust-based framework that allows developers to build smart contracts using Anchor (a popular development framework for Solana) while also providing a Rust-based client. This approach offers a comprehensive solution for developers who prefer to work entirely within the Rust ecosystem.

The introduction of these frameworks demonstrates the growing maturity of the Solana development ecosystem. By providing more tools and options for developers, Solana is making it easier for a wider range of programmers to build on its blockchain. This could lead to an increase in the number and diversity of applications built on Solana, further strengthening its position in the blockchain space.

Ledger Support for Versioned Transactions

One of the most significant updates mentioned in the changelog is Ledger's new support for versioned transactions (V0 transactions) on Solana. This update is crucial for Solana users who rely on Ledger hardware wallets for secure storage of their assets.

Versioned transactions are an important feature in Solana, allowing for more complex transaction structures. With this update, Ledger users can now interact with applications that utilize address lookup tables, such as Jupiter, a popular decentralized exchange on Solana.

This development is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between Solana and hardware wallet providers to ensure that users have access to the latest features while maintaining the highest levels of security. It also highlights the importance of keeping hardware wallets updated to take advantage of new blockchain features.

The Importance of These Updates for Solana

The updates discussed in this changelog demonstrate Solana's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. From addressing scalability issues with epoch rewards to introducing new development frameworks and enhancing hardware wallet support, these changes collectively strengthen Solana's position in the blockchain ecosystem.

The Epoch Rewards V2 proposal shows that Solana is proactively addressing potential bottlenecks, ensuring the network can maintain its high performance as it grows. The introduction of new Rust frameworks like Kaizen and Oxylana provides more options for developers, potentially attracting more talent to the ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Ledger support for versioned transactions ensures that Solana users can access the latest features without compromising on security.

Furthermore, the transparency demonstrated through public debugging sessions and open core community calls fosters trust and engagement within the Solana community. This open approach to development not only helps in identifying and resolving issues quickly but also educates the community about the intricacies of blockchain development.

Solana's Growing Ecosystem

These updates also reflect the growing maturity of the Solana ecosystem. The introduction of new development frameworks, the ongoing hackathon, and the improvements to core protocol features all point to a blockchain platform that is evolving to meet the needs of developers and users alike.

The Grizzlython hackathon, in particular, plays a crucial role in this growth. By providing a platform for developers to showcase their projects, Solana is fostering innovation and attracting new talent to its ecosystem. This continuous influx of new ideas and applications is vital for the long-term success and relevance of any blockchain platform.

The Role of Community in Solana's Development

One aspect that stands out in this changelog is the emphasis on community involvement. From the open core community calls to the public debugging session, it's clear that Solana values transparency and community input in its development process.

This approach has several benefits. It helps build trust within the community, as users and developers can see firsthand how decisions are made and issues are resolved. It also allows for a diverse range of perspectives to be considered in the development process, potentially leading to more robust and user-friendly solutions.

Moreover, by making technical processes like debugging sessions public, Solana is contributing to the education of its community. This not only helps in building a more informed user base but also in nurturing the next generation of blockchain developers.

Looking Ahead: Solana's Future

The updates discussed in this changelog provide a glimpse into Solana's future direction. The focus on scalability, as seen in the Epoch Rewards V2 proposal, suggests that Solana is preparing for continued growth in its user base and transaction volume.

The introduction of new development frameworks indicates a push towards making Solana more accessible to a wider range of developers. This could lead to an increase in the number and diversity of applications built on Solana, further enriching its ecosystem.

The ongoing commitment to security and user experience, as demonstrated by the Ledger support for versioned transactions, shows that Solana is balancing innovation with the practical needs of its users.

Conclusion

This week's Solana Changelog highlights several significant developments in the Solana ecosystem. From improvements to core protocol features like epoch rewards distribution to new tools for developers and enhanced hardware wallet support, these updates collectively strengthen Solana's position as a leading blockchain platform.

The transparency and community involvement demonstrated through public debugging sessions and open core community calls reflect Solana's commitment to an open and collaborative development process. This approach not only fosters trust but also contributes to the education and growth of the Solana community.

As Solana continues to evolve and improve, it's clear that the platform is positioning itself for long-term success in the competitive blockchain space. By addressing scalability challenges, providing robust tools for developers, and maintaining a strong focus on security and user experience, Solana is building a solid foundation for future growth and innovation.

For developers, users, and enthusiasts in the Solana ecosystem, these updates provide plenty of reasons to be excited about the future. As always, staying informed about these changes and actively participating in the community can help individuals make the most of what Solana has to offer.

Facts + Figures

• Grizzlython hackathon is ongoing, providing an opportunity for developers to showcase their Solana projects
• The third core community call was held, bringing together core developers to discuss upcoming changes to Solana
• A public debugging session for a bug in Solana version 1.14 was conducted and is available on YouTube
• SIP 15 proposes changes to epoch rewards calculation and distribution to improve scalability
• Current epoch rewards calculation and distribution can take up to 20 seconds
• The proposed change would split rewards calculation and distribution into separate processes
• A new commit enables cost tracking for each bank during replay across the entire cluster
• Two new Rust-based frameworks, Kaizen and Oxylana, were introduced to the Solana ecosystem
• Oxylana is a full-stack Rust-based framework for building smart contracts with Anchor
• Ledger now supports versioned transactions (V0) on Solana
• The Ledger update allows users to interact with applications using address lookup tables, such as Jupiter DEX
• Core community calls are held in the core community call channel on the Solana Tech Discord
• The public debugging session featured Steve and other developers working on fixing a bug in Solana 1.14
• Cost tracking was previously only performed by the leader node, but is now extended to the entire cluster
• The Solana development team is proactively addressing potential bottlenecks in the network
• The changelog demonstrates Solana's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the development process

Questions Answered

What is the Grizzlython hackathon?

Grizzlython is an ongoing hackathon for Solana developers to showcase their projects. It provides an excellent opportunity for developers to gain visibility within the Solana community and potentially attract attention from key players in the ecosystem. The hackathon encourages innovation and helps push the boundaries of what's possible on the Solana blockchain.

What changes are proposed for epoch rewards calculation and distribution?

The proposed changes, outlined in SIP 15, aim to improve the scalability of epoch rewards calculation and distribution. Currently, this process occurs at the first slot of the epoch boundary and can take up to 20 seconds. The new proposal suggests splitting the process into two separate operations - rewards calculation and rewards distribution - and using a background service to handle the calculations. This change is expected to significantly improve network efficiency, especially as the number of stake accounts grows.

What are Kaizen and Oxylana?

Kaizen and Oxylana are two new Rust-based frameworks introduced to the Solana ecosystem. Oxylana is described as a full-stack Rust-based framework that allows developers to build smart contracts using Anchor while also providing a Rust-based client. These frameworks offer comprehensive solutions for developers who prefer to work entirely within the Rust ecosystem, making it easier to build applications on Solana.

What new feature does Ledger now support for Solana?

Ledger now supports versioned transactions (V0 transactions) on Solana. This update allows Ledger users to interact with applications that utilize address lookup tables, such as Jupiter, a popular decentralized exchange on Solana. This development ensures that Ledger users can access the latest Solana features while maintaining high levels of security.

What was the focus of the public debugging session?

The public debugging session focused on addressing a bug found in version 1.14 of Solana, which is currently not in beta. The session, featuring Steve and other developers, provided insights into the problem-solving process of Solana's core team. It demonstrated how issues are identified, analyzed, and resolved in a consensus-based system like Solana. The session is available on YouTube and serves as an educational resource for those interested in blockchain development.

How has cost tracking been improved in Solana?

A recent commit has extended cost tracking capabilities across the entire Solana cluster. Previously, only the leader node would perform cost tracking to ensure blocks didn't exceed cost limits. Now, nodes throughout the cluster can verify whether proposed blocks adhere to the current cost limits. This enhancement improves the overall security and integrity of the Solana network by enabling more comprehensive validation of transactions and blocks.

What are core community calls in the Solana ecosystem?

Core community calls are regular meetings where core developers working on the Solana protocol come together to discuss upcoming changes and improvements. These calls are open to the public and take place in the core community call channel on the Solana Tech Discord. They provide valuable insights into the decision-making processes behind protocol changes and allow community members to stay informed about Solana's future direction.

How does Solana involve the community in its development process?

Solana involves the community in its development process through several means. These include open core community calls, public debugging sessions, and transparent proposal processes like SIPs (Solana Improvement Proposals). By making these processes accessible to the public, Solana fosters trust, encourages community input, and contributes to the education of its user base and developer community.