After scoping the Pectra forka profitable interop occasion and 4 devnets, we’re now launching the primary short-lived Pectra testnet: Mekong!
The Mekong testnet consists of all of the EIPs proposed for the upcoming Pectra fork on Ethereum. These modifications embody UX modifications by way of EIP-7702Staking modifications by way of EIP-7251modifications to the deposits and exit mechanisms by way of EIP-6110/ EIP-7002 and extra. An exhaustive listing of the EIPs in addition to specs carried out could be discovered right here.
Mekong is supposed to be a playground for pockets builders to experiment with UX modifications and for stakers to realize confidence within the upcoming modifications. The testnet shall be short-lived and is function full with all of the supposed EIPs for Pectra. We may even see some minor spec modifications or smaller EIPs, however the options included right here will make it into present public testnets and eventually Ethereum mainnet.
Getting began
To get began with utilizing Mekong, please go to the community’s touchdown web page. There, you’ll be able to add the community to your browser pockets, view block explorers, request funds from the tap, and hook up with a JSON RPC endpoint.
There are some UX-specific EIPs on this improve and we’re actually excited to see how wallets will make use of them. So please experiment with the modifications and supply us with suggestions. Some solutions for generally requested questions could be discovered right here.
Working a node
Please observe the information right here to be able to run a node on the Mekong testnet. As with Ethereum mainnet, you have to to run an Execution and Consensus layer node.
Strikers
There are some main modifications to the staking workflow coming in Pectra and the Mekong testnet would be the first location to attempt them out. There are modifications to the deposit and withdrawal strategies, so please confer with the FAQ discovered right here for extra particulars. Please learn the FAQ for data on learn how to activate a validator on Mekong.
Does this have an effect on Ethereum Mainnet, Holesky or Sepolia in any approach?
No. Mekong is a brand new testnet and doesn’t have an effect on different Ethereum networks. Nonetheless, testing on Mekong will inform the deployment of the Pectra improve on different Ethereum networks.
As a non-staking node operator, what do I must do?
Mekong is a brand new testnet, so you wouldn’t must do something when you run your node on Holesky/Sepolia or on Ethereum Mainnet. Nonetheless, when you want to run a node on the brand new community, use directions and model of your Ethereum shopper listed within the hyperlink right here.
As a staker, what do I must do?
Please confer with the part “As a non-staking node operator, what do I must do?” to first run a node. Then you might carry out a deposit and run a validator on the brand new Mekong community.
We advocate studying the Pectra FAQ. There may be some details about primary actions you might need to carry out as a staker.
As an utility or tooling developer, what ought to I do?
Software and tooling builders ought to assessment the improve modifications to make sure any fixes are accomplished, or to grasp learn how to use newly launched performance.
Pockets builders ought to assessment the improve, particularly for EIP-7702 to make sure the most recent options are supported.
Why “Mekong”?
The Devcon going down earlier than the Pectra improve shall be held in Southeast Asia. We needed to pick out a reputation that resonates with this location. The Mekong River, which flows by a number of Southeast Asian nations, appeared like a becoming alternative.
My query wasn’t answered, The place can I am going?
We might advocate studying the entire FAQ right here. In case your query continues to be unanswered, please ask in one in all these places:
Cowl picture by Jules Nehlig

