Unlike Medalla which is a representative of how the proof-of-stake consensus could work out for Ethereum blockchain, Spadina would initiate the creation of the genesis chain for the migrated network.
The quest for the transition to Ethereum 2.0 suffered a setback as developers were unable to successfully launch the Spadina testnet, which is supposed to be a prelude to that gives programmers the insight on how the ETH 2.0 chain would pan out.
According to Danny Ryan, a lead developer in the project, the Spadina testnet ran into a hitch as a low number of validators could participate due to some technical errors found prior to the launch that was supposed to take place on September 29.
Spadina is distinct from another testnet, Medalla already in progress for Ethereum 2.0. The essence is to simulate for the Ethereum blockchain, how it could successfully transition from a proof-of-work platform to proof-of-stake.
The proof-of-stake migration for the second largest blockchain platform would ease scaling issues that have beleaguered the platform in recent months. The protocol is also easier on electricity as lower demand for power is required. However, to successfully take off, validators would need to deposit a minimum of half a million ETH to secure the network.
Although for a huge chain like the Ethereum network, the proof-of-stake consensus is not yet tried, developers believe that it would ease the high demand on gas, the miners’ reward for and fees required to make transactions on the network.
This is why the Spadina test is considered crucial for the progression to Ethereum 2.0. Unlike Medalla which is a representative of how the proof-of-stake consensus could work out for Ethereum blockchain, Spadina would initiate the creation of the genesis chain for the migrated network. Since all these are simulations, they are crucial in determining what ought not to be done before the migration of the mainnet. Developers are using the testnets to determine the response in real-time to ongoing work for ETH 2.0.
According to Ryan, developers have already determined areas that need improvement. These are low participation of validators, invalid deposits due to technical hitches and “confusion” on exactly what to do on the part of participants.
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