Cardano Releases “Node 9.0” Validator Software Ahead of Chang Hard Fork
The Cardano development team has launched “Node 9.0,” the latest version of its validator node software, marking a crucial milestone towards the upcoming Chang hard fork. The software was released on July 8 at approximately 7 pm UTC, shortly after Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson teased its imminent arrival in a YouTube video on July 7.
The release notes for Node 9.0 highlight its significance, stating that it is “the first node that can support crossing the 9.0 hard fork (Chang) boundary on mainnet and long-running testnets, such as PreProd.” This update is the final development step needed to initiate the Chang hard fork, a pivotal event in Cardano’s evolution.
In his video announcement, Hoskinson indicated that the software would be available “next week” and mentioned that a signal for mass upgrades would likely come “probably Monday or Tuesday.” For the hard fork to proceed, 70% of nodes must vote to upgrade to the new software, according to Hoskinson.
The Chang hard fork represents a significant shift towards fully decentralized governance for Cardano. It marks the beginning of the “Age of Voltaire” on Cardano’s roadmap, a period expected to bring substantial changes to the network’s governance structure.
These changes are detailed in Cardano Improvement Proposal 1694 (CIP 1694), which outlines the introduction of Delegate Representatives (DReps). These representatives, elected by Cardano token holders, will draft a Cardano Constitution that will become the network’s supreme governing law. Following the Constitution's approval, DReps will continue to propose network changes in accordance with its guidelines.