On June 4th, Mina Protocol achieved a significant milestone with the successful implementation of the Berkeley upgrade. This upgrade marks a crucial advancement, enhancing zero-knowledge (ZK) programmability on the Mina mainnet. With these improvements, Mina is set to transform the blockchain landscape by supporting ZK smart contracts, zkApps, layer 2 solutions, and bridges, benefiting millions of users.
Why the Berkeley Upgrade is Transformative
The Berkeley upgrade changes how blockchains and on-chain applications operate by introducing a universal proof layer. This layer serves as a settlement platform for proofs from any blockchain or system, enhancing interoperability and scalability. Mina’s unique design consolidates all proofs into a single ‘proof of everything,’ enabling efficient verification from any device and integration into other applications.
This new architecture moves smart contract execution off-chain while keeping verification on-chain. This strategy addresses common Web3 challenges, including data constraints, system limitations, and gas costs. Mina’s infinite recursion allows applications and developers to verify comprehensive proofs in a decentralized, secure, and scalable manner, setting a new standard in blockchain technology.
Berkeley Upgrade Timeline and Key Events
The Berkeley upgrade process involved several critical steps, each carefully planned and executed to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a detailed timeline of the major events:
May 1: Archive Node Migration Tools Released
- Status: Completed
- Details: o1Labs released upgraded archive node migration tools. No action was required for users relying on o1Labs-generated Docker images and Berkeley database exports.
May 21: Mainnet Build with Stop-Slots Features Released
- Status: Completed
- Details: Node version 2.0.0 with stop slots was released. All Mina Protocol node users were advised to upgrade to version 2.0.0. This version included the slots that initiated the hard fork on June 4th.
May 21: Community and Partners Upgraded Nodes
- Status: Completed
- Details: Block producers and SNARK workers upgraded their nodes to version 2.0.0. The community achieved 83.4% active stake upgraded to the latest stop slots node version.
May 28: Seed List Updated
- Status: Completed
- Details: The seed list was updated to ensure the network was prepared for the upgrade.
May 28: Go/No-Go Upgrade Decision
- Status: Completed
- Details: With over-target active stake upgraded and thorough checks in readiness categories, the Mina Foundation supported proceeding with the Berkeley upgrade on June 4th.
June 4: Key Milestones
- 9:00 UTC: Stop-Transactions-Slot Triggered: The network began rejecting blocks containing transactions.
- 14:00 UTC: Stop-Network-Slot Triggered: The network stop slot was reached, successfully capturing and validating the fork block for the Berkeley upgrade.
- 15:00 UTC: Run State Export: o1Labs performed the state export.
- 16:30 UTC: Manual o1Labs Archive Node Migration and Mainnet Berkeley Build Preparation: o1Labs executed the archive node migration and prepared the Berkeley build.
- 17:30 UTC: Start Mainnet Berkeley Infrastructure: The mainnet Berkeley infrastructure was initiated.
- 18:00 UTC: Start Mainnet Berkeley Seed Nodes: The mainnet Berkeley seed nodes were started.
- 20:00 UTC: Package Published: The upgrade package was published, and the community and partners began upgrading their nodes to Mina Daemon version 3.0.0.
June 5: First Mainnet Berkeley Block Created
- Status: Completed
- Details: The first mainnet Berkeley block was minted, marking the official start of the upgraded network.
Post-Upgrade Monitoring and Future Developments
Following the upgrade, the Mina Foundation and o1Labs have been actively monitoring the mainnet Berkeley network to ensure its stability and performance. By June 10th, they will review the min-window density after a 4.67-day grace period.
The successful execution of the Berkeley upgrade represents a monumental leap forward for Mina Protocol. This upgrade not only enhances the protocol’s capabilities but also solidifies its position as a leader in the blockchain space, offering unprecedented scalability, security, and interoperability.
For more detailed information about the upgrade, you can refer to the official release notes and the Mina Protocol documentation.
Stay tuned for more updates as Mina continues to innovate and push the boundaries of blockchain technology.
