KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Hedera is introducing HIP-1056: Block Streams to enhance blockchain data recording and verification.
- Block Streams will unify Hedera’s event, record, and sidecar streams, simplifying data processing for developers.
- This upgrade will improve developer interaction, efficiency, and reduce verification costs by consolidating signatures.
- Block Streams will be available with release 0.56, offering developers access to full mainnet blocks.
The Hedera network is set to undergo a significant upgrade with the introduction of HIP-1056: Block Streams. This new blockchain format aims to enhance the way Hedera records and verifies network activities. Block Streams will consolidate existing output streams into a single, unified format, offering a cryptographically verifiable stream of data.
Block Streams will integrate Hedera’s event, record, and sidecar streams into one cohesive stream. This approach simplifies data consumption and processing for developers and services. Each block within this stream will be a self-contained, verifiable entity, featuring a BLS network signature that confirms it was signed by a majority of nodes representing the network’s consensus stake weight.
Enhancing Developer Interaction and Efficiency
The inclusion of Hedera state data in Block Streams redefines how developers and services interact with the network. This change enables richer insights, improved efficiency, and streamlined integrations. By incorporating state data, Block Streams unlock new capabilities such as state proofs and interledger communication.
Block Streams are encoded using Protobuf, making them easily consumable by any programming language with minimal complexity. This increases accessibility for developers working with Hedera data. The addition of state change data allows for off-network computation and verification, enhancing performance and flexibility.
Streamlining Data Verification and Costs
Block Streams will also simplify the verification process, reducing mirror node processing and verification costs. Currently, each node generates a v6 record stream and a signature file for verification. With Block Streams, a single aggregated signature will replace these, cutting costs and simplifying the process.
The transition from the existing Hedera Record Stream to Block Streams will ensure cryptographic continuity. The hash of the final record file will be included as input to the first block, maintaining a seamless transition. Mirror Node software will facilitate this upgrade process for operators.
Block Streams will be available starting with release 0.56, providing developers with access to full mainnet blocks, excluding the Block Proof, which will be mocked for development purposes. More details on this upgrade can be found here.
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