The Cardano blockchain network is one of the most promising decentralized networks in the crypto space, and the upcoming Alonzo hard fork is set to take it to the next level.
The Alonzo hard fork is a planned upgrade that will introduce a number of new features and improvements to the network, and it's important for Cardano holders and users to understand what it is and how it will affect the network.
What is the Alonzo Hard Fork
A hard fork is a protocol change to a blockchain network that results in the creation of two separate chains. The Alonzo hard fork is a planned upgrade for the Cardano blockchain that will introduce new features and improvements to the network. The fork is expected to activate on the mainnet, meaning it will affect the entire network and all its users.
Alonzo hard fork brings smart contracts to the Cardano blockchain which was the most awaited feature. With the implementation of smart contracts, developers will be able to build decentralized applications (dApps) on the Cardano blockchain, which will open a whole new world of possibilities for the network.
Additionally, Alonzo will enable support for multi-party computations and the ability to create non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which are unique digital assets that are becoming increasingly popular in the crypto space.
What Do You Know about the Eras of Cardano
Cardano is a blockchain platform that is being developed in several stages, or "eras," each with its own specific set of features and improvements. The eras of Cardano are:
i: Byron: The first era of Cardano, which focused on establishing a stable and secure network for users to send and receive ADA, the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain.
ii: Shelley: The second era of Cardano, which primarily focuses on decentralization and the participation of the community. This era introduced a staking mechanism that allows users to earn rewards for participating in the network's consensus process and a significant upgrade to the overall network infrastructure.
iii: Goguen: The third era of Cardano, which focuses on smart contract functionality, and it's where Alonzo's hard fork is planned to be introduced. With the implementation of smart contracts, developers will be able to build decentralized applications (dApps) on the Cardano blockchain, which will open a whole new world of possibilities for the network.
iv: Basho: The fourth era of Cardano, which focuses on scalability and performance. The Basho era is expected to bring major improvements to the network's scalability and transaction processing capabilities, allowing for more decentralized applications to be built on the network.
v: Voltaire: The fifth era of Cardano, which focuses on governance and treasury. The Voltaire era introduced a treasury system allowing stakeholders to propose, fund, and vote on network upgrades and improvements. This era also gives more power to the token holders for the direction and funding of the network development.
It's important to note that these eras of development are continuously evolving, and the features and improvements outlined above may change as the development of Cardano continues.
What Should You Require to Learn as a Cardano User
It is important for Cardano users to stay informed about the hard fork and be prepared for any potential changes. You may need to update your wallet software or other software you are using to interact with the Cardano network to ensure compatibility with the new changes.
There is a risk of a chain split with any hard fork; an important aspect to consider. A chain split occurs when some parts of the network adopt the new changes, and others do not, resulting in the creation of two separate chains. However, if you are holding Cardano on a hardware wallet or in a supported exchange, you will likely not be affected by a chain split.
Conclusion
The Alonzo hard fork is an important milestone for the Cardano blockchain network, and it's expected to bring many new features and improvements to the network. With the introduction of smart contracts, support for multi-party computations, and the ability to create NFTs, the Cardano blockchain will become even more versatile and useful.
