Dev Release-185

This release delivers significant updates on our ongoing integration efforts and introduces new features designed to enhance the BlockDAG development ecosystem, particularly for Cosmos and WASM smart contracts.

• Early-stage exploration of Cosmos and WASM integration feasibility.
• Release of the x1 Miner application build (Android v1.5, iOS v1.3).
• Continuous beta testing and iteration based on stakeholder feedback for the blockchain explorer.

• Expanding Ecosystem: Cosmos and WASM integration opens avenues for creating modular blockchain solutions.
• Improved Access: Enhanced Android developer experience through the updated x1 Miner app.
• Stakeholder Feedback Loop: Active collaboration ensures the blockchain explorer evolves with user needs.

This developer release is a culmination of advancements aimed at creating a robust, user-friendly, and interoperable blockchain ecosystem. This release emphasizes the following:

Ecosystem Integration: By delving into Cosmos and WASM integrations, BlockDAG positions itself at the forefront of modular and scalable blockchain solutions. WASM, with its capability for high-performance smart contract execution across multiple languages, broadens the spectrum of development possibilities.
 

Enhanced Developer Tools: The updated x1 Miner app provides a seamless user experience, bolstered by biometric authentication and streamlined account management. The "Dev Releases" module ensures developers remain informed and connected to the project's progress.
 

Blockchain Explorer Enhancements: Addressing critical bugs and introducing enhanced features in the explorer, including detailed logs for the contract verification module, builds user confidence and reliability in the tool.
 

Feedback-Driven Improvements: Actively incorporating feedback from stakeholders ensures that ongoing developments align with community needs and expectations.

x1 Miner Application Update:

Key Features:

• Switch to Email Registration: 
  Enhanced account setup and management.
  New users register with a unique email address.
  Existing users are prompted to update their accounts with an email.
   
• Biometric Authentication:
  Face and fingerprint login for secure and seamless access.
   
• Dev Releases Module:
  Centralized updates on BlockDAG developments.
  Easily accessible within the app.
   
• Improvements:
  Optimized splash screen for quicker load times.
  Enhanced app responsiveness and navigation.
   

Contract Verification Module Enhancements:

Added detailed error messages to provide developers with clear guidance:
 

• Contract doesn’t match: The contract you're trying to verify doesn't match the one on Etherscan.
• Solidity compilation error: There was an error compiling the Solidity code.
• Contract not deployed: The contract you're trying to verify hasn't been deployed yet.
• Missing or invalid library names: The library names are missing or invalid.
• Missing contract name: The contract name is missing.
• Address does not have bytecode: Etherscan hasn't indexed the contract yet.
• Invalid module and action name: The module and action name you specified is invalid.
• Query timeout: The query you sent was too large and didn’t complete in time.
• Logging: Added logs to the contract verification module to ensure traceability and easier debugging.

WASM (WebAssembly) enables developers to write smart contracts in multiple languages (e.g., Rust, C++) and deploy them with high performance and efficiency.
 

Supported algorithms for WASM-based smart contracts include:

Cryptographic Algorithms:

SHA-256 for secure hashing.

ECDSA for efficient digital signatures.

Ed25519 for fast and secure cryptographic operations.

• SHA-256: SHA-256 is a widely used cryptographic hash function that generates a fixed 256-bit output. It is crucial for ensuring data integrity in blockchain operations.
   
• ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm): ECDSA provides a method for secure and efficient digital signatures based on elliptic curve cryptography. It is used for signing and verifying transactions.

• Ed25519: Ed25519 is optimized for high performance and security. It is widely adopted for signing and verifying transactions in modern blockchain systems.

The following bugs were resolved in this release:
 

• "Transaction Not Found" Message: Addressed an issue where a "Transaction Not Found" message briefly appeared when switching from the Holders tab to the Transactions tab in the blockchain explorer.
   
• Events Tab Ordering: Corrected the display order of events in the explorer. Events are now shown in chronological order, with the latest event appearing at the top for improved usability.
   
• Pagination Issues: Resolved non-functional pagination in the Transactions, Holders, and Events sections of the explorer, enabling smooth navigation to additional pages.
   
• Tooltip for Quantity Field: Added tooltips to the Quantity field in the Holder section, ensuring the full value is visible on hover.
   
• Contract Verification Failures: Enhanced error handling and logging in the contract verification module to provide clearer guidance on issues such as missing contract names, invalid libraries, and compilation errors.
   
• Clickable Addresses: Made "From" and "To" addresses on the Token Transfer page clickable, allowing users to navigate directly to their details pages.
   
• Faucet Transactions: Implemented a pool of admin addresses to resolve underpriced transaction errors in the faucet module, ensuring the successful execution of concurrent transactions.

Suggested Improvements:
 

• Static and Common Table Headings: Tables across the interface have varying column headings, which can confuse users when navigating between different tables. Standardizing and making these headings static ensures consistency and improves usability.
   
• Add “Method” in Transaction Detail Page:The transaction detail page lacks a "method" field, making it difficult for users to understand the type of action performed (e.g., transfer, mint, approve). Including this detail provides greater transparency and context.
   
• Token Name and Symbols in Contract Detail Page:Currently, the contract detail page displays limited information. Adding the token name and its symbol enhances the user experience by making it easier to identify the associated token without navigating elsewhere.
   
• Filters in Tables: Large datasets in tables can be difficult to navigate. Implementing filters (e.g., date range, status, type) would allow users to quickly sort and find relevant data.
   
• “From” Address in Faucet Module: The faucet module currently does not display the originating address. Including this information makes transactions traceable and helps users validate their requests.
   
• Pause Functionality in the Globe Feature: The globe feature is visually appealing but lacks the option to pause the animation for detailed inspection. Adding this functionality would enhance usability for users who need to analyze specific points.
   
• Node Listing in the Nodes Module: The nodes module lacks a detailed listing of available nodes. Displaying a list with relevant information (e.g., node location, status, uptime) would improve system transparency and troubleshooting.
   
• Descriptive Placeholder in Faucet Input: The current placeholder text “Enter amount” is vague. A more descriptive prompt (e.g., “Enter the amount of BDAG to receive (maximum 10)”) would reduce user errors and confusion.
   
• Enhanced Feedback Mechanisms: The explorer’s current issue-reporting system could be more intuitive. Improving feedback mechanisms, such as providing pre-filled templates or a direct “Report Issue” button, would streamline the process and encourage users to report issues more effectively.
   
• Optimized Search for Contracts and Transactions: Searching for contracts or transactions can be cumbersome if the search engine is not optimized. Enhancing this functionality (e.g., by supporting partial matches or predictive search) would make it more efficient for users to find what they’re looking for.

• Inconsistent Loading States in Explorer UI: Users encounter inconsistent loading indicators across different sections of the explorer. Some pages show no indication of progress, while others display outdated or mismatched loaders. This inconsistency disrupts the user experience and may lead to confusion.
   
• Limited Biometric Hardware Support in X1 Miner App: The app struggles to support certain biometric hardware (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition sensors on specific devices). Expanding compatibility and testing across various hardware types would ensure broader accessibility and reliability.

1. Further exploration of Cosmos-WASM integrations.
2. Initiate alpha tests for hardware-optimized miner builds.
3. Finalize and release explorer specification documentation.
4. Finalize planning for the Beta version of the BlockDAG testnet.

We value your input! If you encounter issues or have suggestions, reach out to us at [email protected].

The BlockDAG ecosystem continues to evolve with a focus on enhancing user experience, technical capabilities, and developer support. This release demonstrates our commitment to addressing community feedback, ensuring robust integration with Cosmos and WASM, and introducing critical updates like expanded functionalities in the blockchain explorer and the x1 Miner application.

The addition of WASM support and its associated cryptographic algorithms, such as SHA-256, ECDSA, and Ed25519, paves the way for secure and efficient smart contracts. We are excited about the potential for cross-chain interoperability and the broadening horizons this creates for developers.

We appreciate your ongoing support and encourage you to provide feedback to help us refine and improve. Together, we aim to make BlockDAG a cornerstone in the blockchain industry.