Ethereum Layer 2 network Starknet’s community forum has released an article regarding its V0.12.3 and V0.13.0 version upgrades and testnet migration, which discusses the network’s native token STRK (deployed but not yet in circulation), sparking community discussions on token airdrops once again.
The V0.12.3 version upgrade includes deprecating the feeder gateway, transitioning to API services, or running full nodes independently. This version will also introduce some changes to the _validate_ of account contracts.
The V0.13.0 version upgrade will include a new transaction type V3, laying the foundation for future features on the Starknet roadmap, including adding STRK as a new transaction fee token outside of Ether (ETH), fee market, Paymaster, and nonce generalization. V0.13.0 will also come with a new Cairo version (v2.4.0), introducing string constants and basic string processing.
The scheduled network upgrade dates are as follows:
November 19, 2023: V0.12.3 Goerli testnet
December 11, 2023: V0.12.3 mainnet (one week earlier than previously announced)
December 5, 2023: V0.13.0 Goerli testnet (may be delayed by a week if needed, until December 13)
January 22, 2024: V0.13.0 mainnet (pending governance vote)
In addition to version updates, Starknet will migrate the testnet from Goerli to Sepolia after Goerli is discontinued. Support for Goerli will continue until the end of 2023, and migration to the Sepolia testnet will begin on November 15, 2023. Full nodes, API services, SDK, and other Starknet development tools will also start migrating to Sepolia at that time.
This announcement sets a specific date for the launch of the V0.13.0 mainnet, but it does not specify if and when STRK tokens will be distributed to the community. Further details are pending in subsequent announcements from the Starknet Foundation.
Related report: “Ethereum L2 Dynamics: OP Labs Launches ‘Fault Proof’ on Testnet, StarkWare Delays First Token Unlock”