Overwinter Is Coming: Zcash Moves Closer to First-Ever Hard Fork

A new software release prepares zcash for its upcoming hard fork that is set to activate in June.

AccessTimeIconMar 2, 2018 at 2:25 p.m. UTC
Updated Aug 18, 2021 at 8:22 p.m. UTC

Presented By Icon

Election 2024 coverage presented by

Stand with crypto

Zcash has released new software in preparation for its first system-wide software upgrade.

Dubbed "Overwinter" and set to activate in June, the software finds zcash's developer team moving to fortify its technology in anticipation of future updates. Due to the nature of the code, which will be enacted via a mechanism called a hard fork, all users will be required to make the shift.

  • Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
    13:18
    Bitcoin Mining in the U.S. Will Become 'a Lot More Decentralized': Core Scientific CEO
  • Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
    05:10
    Binance to Discontinue Its Nigerian Naira Services After Government Scrutiny
  • The first video of the year 2024
    04:07
    The first video of the year 2024
  • The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
    40:07
    The last regression video of the year 3.67.0
  • According to a blog post announcing the new software, Overwinter will include "versioning, replay protection for network upgrades, performance improvements for transparent transactions, a new feature of transaction expiry and more."

    However, while the software implements new Overwinter rules, a further upgrade will be required when the precise block number has been finalized, the release states.

    Zcash announced last year that it would release a further update, Sapling, in September, which is set to reduce the storage required for private transactions, as well providing a newly secured update to the blockchain's underlying cryptography, zk-snarks.

    According to zcash forum posts, the zcash team has delayed the release of Overwinter several times, citing a need for extra time to review the software and fix bugs discovered during testing.

    As of Feb. 27, an employee wrote on the forum that the team's "manual testing of the release candidate" was still in progress.

    Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which has an ownership stake in Zcash Company, the for-profit entity that develops the zcash protocol.

    Concrete crack image via Shutterstock

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information have been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk has adopted a set of principles aimed at ensuring the integrity, editorial independence and freedom from bias of its publications. CoinDesk is part of the Bullish group, which owns and invests in digital asset businesses and digital assets. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive Bullish group equity-based compensation. Bullish was incubated by technology investor Block.one.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.