Dev Release-186

This release delivers significant updates on our ongoing integration efforts and introduces new features designed to enhance the BlockDAG development ecosystem, particularly for WASM smart contracts support.

Key Highlights:

• Implementation of WASM through the Cosmos SDK, enabling multi-language smart contract support.
• Enhancements to the blockchain explorer, including proxy contract verification, Swagger documentation, and a node visualizer for EVM model.
• Updates to the X1 Miner application, with plans for gamification and additional interactive features.
• Addressing design improvements and optimizing APIs for faster performance.

Why It Matters:

• Enhanced Development Tools: The integration of WASM through Cosmos SDK facilitates high-performance smart contracts, empowering developers with more flexibility and efficiency.
• Improved Transparency and Usability: Explorer updates, such as proxy contract verification and Swagger documentation, build trust and streamline developer workflows.
• User Engagement: New interactive features in the X1 Miner app aim to create a more engaging and rewarding user experience.
• Focus on Performance and Design: Optimized APIs and a cleaner design ensure a seamless and intuitive experience across the platform.

We are excited to announce that we have started implementing WebAssembly (WASM) through the Cosmos SDK. This integration enables smart contracts to be executed in a secure and high-performance environment, making use of WASM's lightweight and portable nature. Technically, this integration involves embedding a WASM runtime into the Cosmos SDK's custom modules, allowing developers to deploy and execute smart contracts that supports just COSM-WASM. The process involves adapting the Cosmos SDK’s architecture to support the execution lifecycle of WASM modules, including compilation, instantiation, and interaction with the blockchain state.
 

However, during this integration, we have encountered library compatibility issues. Specifically, certain WASM libraries have dependencies that conflict with the versions supported by the Cosmos SDK. Resolving these requires careful analysis of dependency trees, patching incompatible versions, or creating wrappers to bridge functionality gaps. We are actively working to address these challenges to ensure smooth integration.

Proxy Contract Verification: We have implemented support for verifying proxy contracts to make robust verification mechanism. This feature enables users to upload and verify the implementation contract associated with a proxy, ensuring transparency and reliability. 
The process involves:

• Parsing the ABI and bytecode of the proxy contract to identify its logic contract.
• Allowing developers to provide the source code for the logic contract.
• Using tools to match the compiled bytecode against the on-chain bytecode, confirming authenticity.

Swagger Documentation: Swagger documentation has been added to the explorer’s API endpoints. This enables developers to easily understand and interact with the API by providing a comprehensive, interactive, and auto-generated documentation platform. 
It includes:

• Endpoint descriptions.
• Request/response models.
• Example calls for easier testing.

Node Visualizer Page in EVM: A new node visualizer page has been added to the explorer for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) nodes. This feature provides a graphical representation of network nodes. 
Users can:

• Visualize node around the globe in real time.
• Check the stats such as best block, finalised block, average time, last block, TPS and TPB

Interactive Features: We are exploring additional features to make the X1 Miner application more engaging and enjoyable for users. Alongside earning rewards, we aim to incorporate:

• Gamification elements such as leaderboards, achievements, and challenges.
• Social features that allow users to collaborate or compete with others.
• Enhanced visualizations of mining performance and rewards.
   

Apple Production Environment: Our team continues to engage with Apple to resolve outstanding queries related to the application’s compliance and technical requirements. These discussions are ongoing, and we are optimistic about pushing the application live in the production environment soon.

Improved Global Search:

Users can now search using contract names and token names, enhancing the discoverability of specific data within the explorer.

Design Improvements:

Updated the overall design of the application to make it more informative and visually clean, improving user experience.

Navigation Issues in Blocks Module:

Resolved issues affecting navigation within the blocks module, ensuring smooth and intuitive access to relevant data.

Optimized Leaderboard API of the mobile application:

Enhanced the leaderboard API for faster response times, providing a more seamless experience for users interacting with this feature.

Contract Name Visibility:

During testing, we discovered that contract names are not visible due to synchronization service issues. The team is actively diagnosing and resolving this problem to ensure accurate display.

Design of Headers and Footers:

Efforts are underway to improve the design of headers and footers throughout the application, aiming for a more consistent and aesthetically pleasing interface.

Incorrect Time Display:

An issue with time zone mismatches has resulted in incorrect time displays in certain modules. The team is working on synchronizing time zone data to rectify this.

Post-Beta Features:

We are brainstorming new features for the post-beta release, which will include:

• A revamped design for the explorer.
• The addition of a module for graphs and statistical visualizations.
• Significant performance optimizations across the application.

Documentation Enhancements:

• Finalizing and releasing detailed explorer specification documentation.
• A document related to complete ecosystem will also be available soon for the users.

We value your input! If you encounter issues or have suggestions, reach out to us at [email protected].

This release represents a major milestone in the evolution of the BlockDAG ecosystem. By integrating WASM through the Cosmos SDK, we are paving the way for high-performance, multi-language smart contract support, addressing compatibility challenges to ensure smooth functionality. Enhancements to the blockchain explorer, such as proxy contract verification and Swagger documentation, solidify our commitment to developer usability and transparency. The introduction of the node visualizer for EVM further empowers users with real-time network insights.
 

The X1 Miner application continues to evolve, with exciting new features on the horizon to engage users and improve accessibility. Our collaboration with Apple reflects our dedication to ensuring a seamless production launch.
 

While some issues remain, including synchronization challenges and design refinements, our roadmap includes actionable steps to address these and bring innovative solutions to the ecosystem. As we prepare for post-beta features, we remain committed to delivering a user-centric, robust, and high-performing blockchain platform.
 

We appreciate your ongoing support and encourage you to share feedback to help us improve further. Together, we are building a cornerstone in the blockchain industry!