Pi network new updates
This article has been copied from pi network mobile application. This post is just for spreading the latest information about #pi network.
New Node Version v0.3.4
We’re excited to introduce a new version of the Pi Node (v0.3.4), currently available for download or upgrade on node.minepi.com. Unlike previous versions where the switch button in the Node interface only turns on a statistics container that gathers data about different device performance for selection purposes, the same switch button in v0.3.4 now can turn on the container that runs the blockchain for selected candidates.
Download and accessibility
This new version allows the Core Team to gradually invite node candidates to start running the blockchain to follow the Testnet. So, we recommend all candidates to upgrade to this latest version v0.3.4. by visiting the Node software. (If you have downloaded it last week when we already published it on our website, there is no need to download it again.) However, the new functionality of turning on and viewing the blockchain will be rolled out gradually to different candidates for technical reasons. This means that after downloading the new version, the majority of candidates will probably see the same interface with the old functionality at first, i.e. turning on the statistics container. Don’t feel discouraged, because even though this version may have the same appearance at the beginning, it carries different substances under the hood. In the following week, more candidates will be able to have the new functionality available, i.e. the switch turning on the blockchain container.
We’ll initially enable the blockchain container to only Node candidates running (i) Windows 10 Home or Pro that are upgraded to the latest version from Microsoft (version 2004) with WSL 2 and using Docker Desktop, (ii) any macOS version with Docker Desktop. In future versions, we will enable this functionality for more operating systems, and we will try to make the blockchain work on Docker Toolbox. The goal is to enable all Node candidates to be able to turn on the blockchain container to follow the testnet blockchain as it evolves.
The selection of nodes that can submit transactions will be made in the future when the feature becomes available. In regard to Supernodes, we will make selections later based on statistics gathered in the Selection Stage when Pi Node candidates were running the statistics container and their continued successful participation in the current stage. We’ll also soon make some of such statistics we gathered about the device and its performance available to the device owner in the v0.3.4., e.g. uptime and stability.
Significance of v0.3.4
Pi Node v0.3.4 will only allow viewing of the Pi Testnet, but it is significant because it is the first time that Pi Node software runs the blockchain on a larger scale and it initiates the second stage of the Testnet Roadmap - Revision Stage that comprises an iterative process of two activities: scenario testing and consensus algorithm revision. Building on this version, the Core Team can quickly assign simulated data of the network graph and configurations to different Nodes, to more efficiently stress test a wide range of scenarios and states of the network. The data generated from these tests will then feed the revision process of the consensus algorithm. The Revision Stage will presumably be a rather long period during which multiple node versions will be released because it involves not only engineering time but also research breakthroughs. As the consensus algorithm gets improved through simulated data, the Core Team will be able to add more abilities to Nodes and Supernodes than just viewing the testnet, such as validating transactions and participating in the consensus algorithm, progressing towards the third stage - Live Testnet.
Behind the scenes of v0.3.4
Over the past few months, we’ve been developing this version of Node that allows Pioneers to run the blockchain through a user-friendly interface. It took quite some time to release this version to all Pioneers because in addition to its development, we also had about 8 iterations of test releases with moderators and voluntary testers before a community release. The purpose of the long test iterations was to discover and fix as many bugs as possible that may be exposed by different devices and operating systems, and save frustration from most Pioneers in a community release. Due to the nature of compatibility issues with diverse devices and operating systems, we still expect some reports of issues when running this version, but hopefully they’re much reduced, thanks to test release iterations. This version also includes more data about the status of the blockchain container in the Node Interface for Pioneers to troubleshoot. For any issues, please consult the community wiki page here or join the Node Applicant chats in the Pi app.