The Cardano network is on the brink of the Chang hard fork which will usher in the Voltaire era. The transition is enabled by the latest release of node validator software, version 9.1.0, which incorporates crucial updates essential for the hard fork. Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, declared via X, “This is it. End of the line, node 9.1 is Voltaire. Happy upgrading SPOs. Welcome to Chang.”

Additionally, Intersect, a member-based organization within the ADA ecosystem that focuses on the blockchain’s continuity and future enhancements, confirmed the announcement, stating via X, “Node 9.1.0 is here! The final version to bring on-chain decision-making to Cardano is here. As with all hard-forks, Cardano upgrades when the community is ready.”

Cardano Chang Hard Fork Is Ready

The upgrade from node version 9.0.0 to 9.1.0 is significant, primarily due to the introduction of the mandatory Conway genesis file at startup, which is critical for transitioning through the Chang hard fork. Previously, the genesis file was optional.

In addition to the genesis file integration, node 9.1.0 includes numerous bug fixes and enhancements to both the command-line interface (CLI) and the application programming interface (API). Among these enhancements is the introduction of a “query treasury” command, which provides improved insights into the network’s financial operations.

Moreover, updates ensure compatibility with two important Cardano Improvement Proposals: CIP69, which standardizes metadata structures, and CIP119, which introduces a transaction metadata label for easier identification and processing of transactions.

As outlined by Intersect, the community will decide when the Chang hard fork activates. The Chang hard fork will proceed once 70% of validators have adopted the new node.

The Chang hard fork is set to advance Cardano’s capabilities significantly, transitioning from the Vasil upgrade to a decentralized decision-making foundation through the implementation of the CIP-1694 on-chain governance mechanisms.

This includes a community driven governance where ADA holders participate directly in decision-making through on-chain consensus. Moreover, Delegate Representatives (DReps) will play a pivotal role in voicing community interests and steering the network’s future.

The Chang upgrade is structured in two distinct phases. The first, Chang Upgrade #1, will see the deployment of the initial set of governance features to Cardano and marks the beginning of the technical bootstrapping phase as described in CIP-1694.

The second phase, Chang Upgrade #2, will transition these governance mechanisms out of the technical bootstrapping phase. This will enable full functionality of on-chain governance, including DRep participation and comprehensive governance actions.

This upgrade also serves as a tribute to Phil Chang, a key figure in Cardano’s governance strategies at IOG, who passed away in 2022. His contributions have been foundational to the conceptualization of the Voltaire era, which the Chang upgrade seeks to realize.

At press time, ADA traded at $0.4134.