Cardano’s highly anticipated Node 9.0.0 launched on July 8, laying the groundwork for the transformative Chang hard fork. This major release introduces on-chain governance via CIP-1694, support for Plutus v1 reference scripts, and Plutus script signature support through CIP-69.
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson emphasized Node 9.0.0’s importance, noting its role in preparing the network for a decentralized future. The Chang hard fork aims to transfer project ownership to the community, marking a significant milestone in Cardano’s journey.
Standout features include Delegate Representatives (DReps) who will draft a Cardano Constitution, establishing the network’s supreme governing law. This will enable on-chain voting and participant rights, setting Cardano apart as the most decentralized and scalable blockchain ecosystem.
With at least 70% of Stake Pool Operators needing to upgrade, the network’s readiness is crucial. The successful implementation of these changes could position Cardano as the leading ecosystem within the next 24 months, underscoring the strategic importance of effective governance.
