New Code Released for Vlad Zamfir's Ethereum 'Casper' Upgrade

The Ethereum Foundation's lead developer for the Casper upgrade, Vlad Zamfir, uploaded the first version of the protocol's code to GitHub on Tuesday.

AccessTimeIconNov 21, 2017 at 9:30 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:11 a.m. UTC
Consensus 2023 Logo
Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 taking place in Austin, Texas, April 26-28.
Consensus 2023 Logo
Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 taking place in Austin, Texas, April 26-28.

The initial version of the Casper proof-of-stake protocol upgrade from Ethereum developer Vlad Zamfir has been released.

Published on Tuesday

, the code – following its presentation at the Devcon3 event in Cancun earlier this month – aims to fundamentally rework how blocks are created and propagated on the ethereum network. It's actually one of two simultaneous bids to develop code for Casper, with the other arm being spearheaded by network creator Vitalik Buterin.

Zamfir's take on Casper comes several days after the publication of a white paper, titled "Casper the Friendly Ghost."

The paper focuses on "correct-by-construction consensus protocols," seeking to simplify how blockchains achieve consensus in a "partially synchronous network." In other words, it's trying to reduce the overall complexity of the blockchain.

This approach differs from Buterin’s own white papers on the upgrade. Buterin had previously released a three-part explanation of how his vision of Casper would operate.

While Zamfir's code release may represent on a small part of a bigger effort, its publication signals a new phase of development that will bring ethereum a step closer to overhauling the infrastructure that underlies the network.

As explained by CoinDesk, miners today discover and add new blocks through the proof-of-work process, in a way similar to how bitcoin functions (with some differences that are unique to ethereum, like the discovery of "uncle" blocks.)

This energy-intensive process is a competitive one, driving miners to purchase power-hungry graphics cards – a cycle that has led firms like AMD and Nivida to report significant revenues thanks to the renewed interest in cryptocurrency mining.

Yet Casper would, if and when fully realized, aim to shift away from this model entirely. Nodes could mine by essentially having funds deposited– the "stake" in proof-of-stake – and held over time, generating rewards as the node discovers each new block.

Candle image via Shutterstock

DISCLOSURE

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.


Learn more about Consensus 2023, CoinDesk’s longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.