SVM Testnet Update: 645K+ Blocks Reached, 10/11 Validators Active, and Post-Upgrade Stability
Hi everyone,
Following the successful execution of the v0.0.5 coordinated upgrade, I am pleased to report that the Steem Virtual Machine (SVM) testnet has fully stabilized. The network is operating smoothly on the new, hardened codebase, and validator participation has significantly improved.
For context on the recent upgrade, please refer to my previous post: SVM Testnet Milestone: v0.0.5 Successfully Activated.
Network Health and Current Metrics
The SVM testnet continues to demonstrate exceptional reliability and consistent growth following the upgrade. The new Steem-identity enforcement rules are active, and the EVM staking precompile is fully restored and functioning correctly.
Current Testnet Statistics:
- Total Blocks Produced: 645,606+
- Total Transactions: 43,804+
- Average Block Time: ~5.4 seconds
- Active Validators: 10 / 11
Validator Status and Recovery Reminder
I want to extend a sincere thank you to the 10 active validators who have successfully updated, synced, and unjailed their nodes. Your swift action following the v0.0.5 upgrade has restored the network to near-maximum capacity and decentralization.
Currently, only one validator remains in a jailed state:
If you are operating this node, please know that this is a normal part of the post-upgrade recovery process. Your node halted at block 620,500 as designed, and you simply need to update to the new binary, sync to the current height, and unjail.
Quick Recovery Instructions
To get your validator back online, run the following commands from your SteemVirtualMachine-EVM directory:
# 1. Fetch the latest code and checkout the release branch
git fetch && git checkout release/v0.0.5-validator-identity
# 2. Run the automated update script to stage the binary and sync your node
./update.sh
# 3. Once your node is fully synced (catching_up: false), unjail your validator
docker exec steemvm-node /root/go/bin/steemvmd tx slashing unjail \
--from <your_moniker> \
--home /root/.steemvm \
--chain-id steemvm \
--gas auto \
--gas-adjustment 1.5 \
--gas-prices 1000000000asteem \
-y
Important Note: If you attempted to stage a v0.0.5 binary prior to September 29th, you must run these commands again, as the final release binary was updated after that date.
For comprehensive, step-by-step instructions, please refer to the official documentation:
Instructions/UPGRADE_v0.0.5.md
Looking Ahead
With the v0.0.5 upgrade successfully executed, the network foundation is more secure and stable than ever. Our development focus now remains firmly on the upcoming public beta release of the SVM App.
Once the active validator set is fully restored to 100% capacity, we will continue to expand testing of the Sherpa Protocol liquidity pools, swaps, and lending features, bringing enterprise-grade DeFi capabilities to the Steem ecosystem.
Testnet Disclaimer
Important Reminder: The Steem Virtual Machine (SVM) is strictly in its testnet phase. All bonded STEEM, transactions executed, and tokens generated are purely for testing the consensus and EVM execution layers. There is no real-world monetary value attached to this chain or its assets.
Thank you to all operators for your diligence, transparency, and commitment to maintaining a robust SVM network. Reaching over 645,000 blocks with these new security enhancements is a major milestone for the project.
If you value proactive engineering, rigorous security standards, and transparent development for the STEEM ecosystem, please consider supporting my witness: blaze.apps