Ethereum developers have launched a temporary testnet called Mekong in preparation for the upcoming Pectra upgrade.
Details
- Code changes will be tested on Mekong before they are deployed on other public testnets, and ultimately the mainnet
- The testnet will operate only for a short span of time
- Nevertheless, it is feature-complete for Pectra
- It includes all proposed EIPs and specifications revolving around the changes to UX, staking, deposits, and exit mechanisms
Why should you pay attention?
- Mekong will act as a “playground” for developers
- They can experiment with UX-specific changes and provide feedback to the foundation
- Wallet developers, for instance, can test new user experience changes
- Meanwhile, stakers can familiarize themselves with the proposed code changes
Who said what?
- In a blogpost, Ethereum developers said,
“We may see some minor spec changes or smaller EIPs, but the features included here will make it into existing public testnets and finally the Ethereum mainnet”
- Chalking out why the name Mekong was chosen for the testnet, developers underlined,
“The Devcon taking place before the Pectra upgrade will be held in Southeast Asia. We wanted to select a name that resonates with this location. The Mekong River, which flows through several Southeast Asian countries, seemed like a fitting choice”
- Clarifying if the mainnet or other testnets like Holesky or Sepolia would be affected by the roll out of Mekong, developers asserted,
“Mekong is a new testnet and does not affect other Ethereum networks. However, testing on the Mekong will inform the deployment of the Pectra upgrade on other Ethereum networks”
Zooming out
- Once successfully tested on Mekong, features will be rolled out on Ethereum’s public testnets – including Sepolia
- After being tested there too, they will go live on the mainnet in the first half of 2025
