​The next step in Ethereum's evolution is right on schedule

"Shanghai Mainnet Shadow Fork" is:

The title of the next Mission Impossible film next step in Ethereum's upgrade.

We know what you're thinking:

'Cool title, nerds. What does that even mean?'

Think of blockchain upgrades like a stage show.

The 'test net' stage of an upgrade is like the actors learning their lines alone in their bedroom. No stage, no lights, no audience.

Mistakes can be made and it won't be a problem.

The 'mainnet shadow fork' stage is like a full dress rehearsal.

Costumes, lighting, sound fx, blocking, timing, and lines are all being tested in real time, on stage...but there's no audience in the theatre.

If something goes wrong, it's noted and adjusted before opening night.

Right now, Ethereum's mainnet shadow fork, for its upcoming 'Shanghai' upgrade is live - and the core developers are testing the changes they've made before they let any user traffic (i.e. 'the audience') in.

So what's this upgrade going to do?

It's going to let users withdraw their staked ETH from the network.

Which sounds like a small change, but Ethereum is a LARGE network - and users have staked close to $26.5B worth of ETH since December 2020.

The ability to access those funds is not only welcomed, but needed.

And seeings as the mainnet shadow fork launched successfully, it looks like this 'stage show' should launch to a 'live audience,' in March - right on schedule.

We love to see it!