Dev Update. August and September 2024

This past quarter has been one of our busiest yet, with the Zano team working across various projects and external integrations that have required extensive resources. Due to this workload, we're slightly behind on updates, but we're excited to share the latest developments across the Zano ecosystem.

Core Development and Enhancements

  • 3rd Party ETH-Sign Asset Owner Support: We've successfully implemented support for third-party Ethereum-signed asset ownership, allowing more flexibility for asset creators and users. This feature is now fully integrated into the core, accompanied by automated tests and accessible via the RPC API, all tested extensively on the testnet.
  • Boost Version Upgrade: After thorough testing, we upgraded the Boost library to version 1.84, enhancing compatibility and performance.

Enhanced Wallet and Daemon RPCs:

  • Wallet RPC Updates: The deploy_asset and emit_asset functions now automatically split asset amounts into 10 outputs by default, simplifying asset management for users.
  • New Daemon RPC - find_outs_in_recent_blocks: This RPC retrieves information about outputs in recent blocks for a given address and view key, aiding in real-time tracking.
  • Seed Doctor: Developed and implemented a “seed doctor” tool designed to repair partially corrupted seed phrases, enhancing wallet recovery options for users.
  • Wallet Structure Refactoring: Significant work has gone into refactoring the wallet structure to address file size issues—critical for mobile platforms where storage and performance are priorities.
  • Consensus Proposal Refactoring: Our ongoing work on a new consensus proposal has continued with extensive refactoring efforts, setting the foundation for future enhancements in network security.
  • Minimum Build Number Requirement: Introduced a build number limit tied to the hardfork number, designed to streamline future hardfork transitions for a smoother user experience.
  • Hardfork 5 Testing: Testing for Hardfork 5 has officially started on the testnet, with a focus on refining features and addressing any last-minute issues before release.

Fixes and Improvements

  • Stratum Server Fixes: Corrected a minor issue in the stratum server where an incorrect worker name invalidated the mining address set in the daemon.
  • GUI Wallet and Other Bug Fixes: Addressed several bugs related to the GUI wallet and improved user experience.
  • Predownload Update: Updated predownload heights up to block 2,829,200 to ensure smoother network synchronization.

External Integrations

A significant portion of our development time has been dedicated to integrating with external platforms, including wallet integrations (Cake Wallet and Bitcoin.com) and decentralized bridging solutions via Confidential Layer. These integrations are now operational on the testnet, bringing Zano's functionality to a wider audience and enhancing cross-platform interoperability.

Frontend and Platform Updates

  • Explorer Update: Our blockchain explorer has been updated and moved to server-side rendering (SSR) for faster load times. New features include alias and asset tracking, a burned fees counter, and various internal improvements that benefit both mainnet and testnet users.
  • Explorer API: New method find_outs_in_recent_blocks that recovers recent transaction confirmation for ecommerce services.
  • Zano Trade: The Zano Trade platform now includes offer notifications and a new API to support automated trading software—set to launch soon.
  • Zano Alias Auction Platform: Development is underway for the Zano Alias Auction Platform, anticipated for release in Q4. This platform will allow users to bid on unique aliases, enhancing user engagement within the Zano ecosystem.

Conclusion

The past two months have been packed with significant advancements across the Zano ecosystem. From core feature updates and essential bug fixes to strategic integrations and exciting new tools, we’re setting the stage for Zano’s future growth. Our team is dedicated to refining the user experience, enhancing platform security, and expanding Zano's accessibility through ongoing integrations and partnerships.

Thank you for your continued support and patience as we work to bring these projects to fruition. Stay tuned for further updates, especially as we approach the release of Hardfork 5 and prepare to roll out many exciting products in Q4. We’re excited to see how the Zano community will utilize these new tools and features.