Key Highlights
- A mismatch between block explorer v20 and the repository v21.2 has created some initial user difficulties.
- Pi Network now operates on version v21.2, with improvements in node performance, validation, and network stability.
- This is a move towards future versions v22.1 and v23.0, which will hopefully support full smart contract capability.
Pi Network announced the upgrade of its Mainnet protocol from version 20 to version 21.2 on April 6. However, the rollout appears to have caused some sort of confusion among users since there is an apparent contradiction between what is being shown publicly on the block explorer at version 20, while the source code indicates version 21.2.
According to the official release, the upgrade focused on technical advancements that would improve the infrastructure and prepare the stage for automatic execution of smart contracts as well as Mainnet RPC.
The new version 21.2 is seen as crucial in the process of upgrading the platform by Pi Network through other versions like 22.1, due on April 22, and version 23.0, planned for May 18, where smart contract capabilities will be enabled.
What’s the version discrepancy
According to community debates and experts, the reason for the block explorer being slow might be due to synchronization problems, staged rollouts, or propagation delays.
At the same time, the public codebase that is often called the “little whale” shows protocol code related to v21.2. Hence, it can be concluded that the majority of nodes operate under the updated protocols, even though it might not be reflected in user dashboards. Node operators had to make the switch from v20.2 to v21.2 by April 6.
Version 21.2 context
This update focuses on improvements related to performance and transaction validation, as well as increased resilience within the network. Such improvements will be critical to developing and integrating new applications (such as dApps), which are needed to expand the network and increase the utility of PiCoin in Web3 use cases.
It is worth mentioning that Pi Network representatives have repeatedly stressed that such protocol upgrades represent a planned and careful step-by-step approach towards the implementation of more complex functionality.
Developers and operators of nodes in the network are encouraged to refer to the codebase for the latest information concerning the current state of the network, since the block explorer may not provide up-to-date information about version 21.2.
What comes beyond
The event highlights the complex structure of blockchain technology infrastructure, in which the operations that take place on a lower level may progress at a faster pace than the development of the interface itself. Pi Network encourages the community to remain active, observe their official sources of information, and test their software whenever feasible.
Also Read: TON Rolls Out Sub-Second Transactions on Mainnet Upgrade