Tezos Unveils Major Jakarta Upgrade: A Step Towards Enhanced Blockchain Functionality

Tezos, a prominent proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain, recently introduced one of its most significant protocol upgrades to date: the Jakarta proposal. Activated on June 28, 2022, this upgrade marks the tenth major update in the Tezos network, bringing with it a host of new features designed to improve scalability, security, and overall performance.

Transaction Optimistic Rollups (TORUs)

At the heart of the Jakarta upgrade is the introduction of Transaction Optimistic Rollups (TORUs). This feature represents Tezos’ first native scaling solution, enabling higher throughput by offloading transaction validation to a secondary layer, or “Layer 2”. TORUs are designed to be trust-minimized, permissionless, and capital efficient, allowing for increased transaction speeds and lower costs without compromising security. Unlike traditional state channels, TORUs do not require users to lock up a bond upfront, making them more accessible and efficient.

Safer Sapling Integration

Another critical enhancement brought by the Jakarta upgrade is the improved integration of Sapling, a protocol for private transactions. The new design addresses previous vulnerabilities in unshielding transactions, ensuring a safer environment for private transfers on the Tezos network. This change deprecates the old format and mandates that all new Sapling contracts adhere to the updated, secure version.

Liquidity Baking Toggle Vote

The Jakarta upgrade also introduces a revamped Liquidity Baking mechanism, now known as the Liquidity Baking Toggle Vote. This system allows bakers to vote on whether the liquidity baking subsidy should be active or inactive. The options include “On,” “Off,” and “Pass,” providing greater flexibility and control over the network’s liquidity provisions. Additionally, the deactivation of the subsidy is no longer permanent; it can be reactivated if the voting threshold is met again in the future.

Michelson Interpreter Improvements

The Michelson interpreter, which handles the execution of smart contracts on Tezos, has received several updates to enhance type safety and performance. These improvements reduce gas costs for parsing and unparsing scripts, making the execution of smart contracts more efficient. The changes also ensure compliance with the modern Michelson specification, phasing out legacy features that are no longer supported.

Hardening of Tickets

The Jakarta upgrade introduces a mechanism for explicitly tracking ownership of Michelson tickets, which are used to represent fungible and non-fungible tokens on the Tezos network. This feature increases security by preventing the forging of tickets and facilitates the development of Layer 2 solutions that interact with the main chain using tickets.

Redefining Voting Power

With the Jakarta proposal, the computation of delegates’ voting power in the Tezos self-amendment process has been redefined. Instead of being measured in terms of “rolls,” voting power is now directly proportional to the delegate’s stake in mutez. This change aligns the voting and baking power more closely, simplifying the governance process.

Future Prospects

The Jakarta upgrade sets the stage for further enhancements in the Tezos ecosystem. The upcoming Kathmandu proposal is expected to build on the foundations laid by Jakarta, introducing features like Smart Contract Optimistic Rollups and a Data Availability Layer. These improvements aim to further enhance the scalability and functionality of the Tezos network, ensuring it remains at the forefront of blockchain innovation.

Conclusion

The Jakarta upgrade is a significant milestone for Tezos, showcasing the network’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. By introducing advanced features like Transaction Optimistic Rollups and enhancing security measures, Tezos is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the blockchain space. As the network continues to evolve, it promises to deliver even more robust and scalable solutions for developers and users alike.

This comprehensive article delves into the transformative Jakarta upgrade, highlighting how Tezos is pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology to create a more secure, efficient, and scalable platform. With ongoing advancements and strategic developments, Tezos remains a key player in the decentralized ecosystem.