Cardano Chang Hard Fork Is Here, What to Expect?

As a long-term researcher and observer of the Cardano blockchain ecosystem, I have witnessed the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Chang Hard Fork upgrade with great interest. The launch of Cardano node 9.1.0 on July 25 by Intersect, marking the final version for this significant upgrade, has been a major milestone in the Cardano journey.


The long-awaited Chang Hard Fork update was released with the introduction of Cardano node 9.1.0 on July 25. Intersect officially unveiled the final version, marking the arrival of on-chain governance in Cardano. As stated by the Cardano community’s decentralized organization, this upgrade, similar to every hard fork before it, was initiated due to the collective readiness of the community.

Cardano Chang Hard Fork Upgrade Requires Conway Genesis File

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has labeled the latest upgrade as the “final step before the Chang Hard Fork,” which introduces a new node that varies from its previous version 9.0.0. In contrast to the optional Conway genesis file in Node 9.0.0, this new node requires it to be present at startup in order to proceed with the Chang Hard Fork.

In summary, node 9.1.0 is essential for this final stage of the upgrade due to the Chang Hard Fork. This is significant progress for Stake Pool Operators (SPOs), as it signifies an update to the software they manage. The Chang Hard Fork represents a significant achievement for the Cardano ecosystem, and the protocol anticipates that it will enhance our infrastructure.

The Voltaire upgrade, which is widely used and influential, aims to make Cardano a genuinely decentralized network by integrating all elements in June. This process includes numerous resources and smaller updates.

According to Hoskinson’s announcement, it seems that the Cardano Node is expected to hit version 9.0 in June. This readiness indicates that Cardano is on the verge of becoming a fork-ready chain, requiring approximately 70% of its Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) to install the new node. Subsequently, a hard fork could ensue, propelling Cardano into the Volta era. In this phase, we will boast an advanced blockchain governance structure, annual budgets, a treasury, and the collective intelligence of our community to steer us forward.

Chang Hard Fork Upgrade Stall Till July

The node attained version 9.0.0 but had to advance to 9.1.0, which involves the use of the Conway genesis file. As a result, its progression surpassed the initially set timeline and brought it closer to Cardano’s presence. Following the validation and upgrade processes, the node is intended to undergo a backward-incompatible transformation, which is essentially a hard fork.

With this implementation, we’ll usher in a fresh chapter for Voltaire, marking a significant shift. Once accomplished, IOHK, the Cardano development team, will no longer bear the burden of directly overseeing the seven-year-old blockchain. Instead, the reins will be handed over to the community members, granting them full control and responsibility.

Approximately a month ago, Cardano unveiled a fresh governance structure, enhancing the ecosystem’s decentralization. This innovative design “promotes inclusivity and diversity, and maintains equilibrium through delegate representatives (DReps), stake pool operators (SPOs), and a constitutional committee”.

In the midst of numerous enhancements, the value of ADA has risen. The token has gained 4.85% and is now being traded at $0.4133.

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2024-07-26 15:24