Dev update: May and June 2024

Ravaga -

Over the past two months, the Zano team has been focused on enhancing user accessibility and simplifying the use of our blockchain technology. Here's an overview of the key improvements and updates we've implemented in May and June to make our platform more user-friendly and efficient.

Backend and Core Enhancements

May Updates:

  • JWT Extension Stability: Addressed and resolved critical multithreading issues in JWT extension calls to ensure more stable and secure operations.
  • Wallet Algorithm Improvements: Fixed several issues in the post-Zarcanum algorithms in the wallet, including early Zarcanum build decoy selection problems.
  • PoS Fuse Implementation: Introduced PoS Fuse for self-detection of PoS grinding attacks, enhancing network security against potential abuses.
  • RPC Enhancements: Resolved RPC bugs and added new functionalities for managing assets, including a new RPC for transferring ownership.

June Updates:

  • API and Wallet Bug Fixes: Conducted multiple fixes across the API, wallet, and mobile native library to ensure smoother functionality and user experience.
  • Asynchronous API Adjustments: Made adjustments to asynchronous API calls from UI-to-RPC to improve system responsiveness and reliability.
  • Ethereum Signature Implementation: Laid the groundwork for future asset extension with the basic implementation of Ethereum signatures.
  • Ionic Swaps Security: Enhanced security for ionic swaps by implementing additional checks on receiving partially signed transactions.

Test System and Security

Core Tests System Improvement: Our core test system was improved significantly to expand test coverage for the post-HF4 era, adapting many tests to better meet current needs.

Transaction Validation Redesign: The transaction validation mechanism for alt blocks was redesigned and enhanced, making our blockchain more resistant, especially to various PoS-specific attacks.

Documentation and Community Engagement

Node RPC Documentation: Greatly improved the documentation for node RPC with additional examples and corrected JSON formatting, enhancing accessibility and user-friendliness.

MoneroKon 2024 Participation: Engaged with the wider blockchain community with a presentation at MoneroKon, speaking about implementing Confidential Assets in PoW/PoS privacy blockchain and Zano approach. This annual conference, held at Paralelní Polis in Prague, brought together privacy advocates and cypherpunks to discuss advancements in privacy and financial technology​.

Frontend Developments and Resources

We have also made exciting progress on the frontend side with significant releases:

  • Zano Companion: Launched the Zano Companion, a browser extension that enhances user interaction with the Zano network. More details can be found in our companion article.
  • Zano Trade: Released the beta version of Zano Trade, a decentralized exchange for on-chain trading on the Zano network. Read more about this development in our blog post and the usage guide.

Mobile Development

Significant advancements were made in mobile development:

  • Custom Assets Support: Added support and control tools for custom assets in mobile wallets on both platforms, currently in testing and set to be released imminently.

Looking Ahead

The Zano team is also heavily involved in building a bridge integration with a confidential layer. This ongoing process is crucial for enhancing cross-chain interactions while maintaining the privacy standards Zano is known for. We eagerly anticipate this feature going live and will continue to keep the community updated on our progress.

These past two months have been incredibly productive, setting a solid foundation for future innovations and enhancements. We thank our community for their continuous support and look forward to delivering more updates as we enhance and expand the Zano ecosystem. Stay tuned for further developments that promise to enrich our platform's capabilities and user experience.