Celo launches Dango layer 2 testnet to integrate with the Ethereum ecosystem
The Celo Foundation is excited to share the news of the successful debut of the Dango Layer-2 testnet, signifying a major achievement in cLabs’ endeavors to merge Celo’s blockchain with Ethereum integration. This launch opens the door for developers to begin experimenting with the revised code on this new branch of the Alfajores testnet.
Celo’s New Era: Dango Layer-2
The Dango testnet, initially suggested at the EthCC 2023 conference, enables developers to move their projects to this newer blockchain version aimed at quick and affordable worldwide transactions. This introduction keeps all records from the Alfajores testnet, such as smart contracts, accounts, and balances. Developed on Optimism’s OP Stack, Dango continues to enjoy Celo’s Layer 1 advantages while using a blockchain framework that is both highly scalable and compatible.
After receiving strategic backing from the Eigen Foundation and support from the community, Dango employs EigenDA as a layer to ensure data is readily available, thereby reducing transaction fees significantly. The Layer-2 design strategy is focused on keeping transaction expenses low while increasing the speed of operations by 50%, shortening the time for blocks from 5 seconds to 2 seconds.
Dango Layer-2 provides a range of essential capabilities, such as the easy connection between WETH and ERC-20 tokens for smooth exchanges between Ethereum and Celo, and it guarantees 1-block finality for quick and secure transactions. It supports the use of CELO tokens in two ways, allowing direct interaction with CELO through its platform or the ERC20 platform, and it allows for the use of multiple ERC-20 tokens as payment methods, including CELO’s own $USDT and $USDC. SocialConnect makes it possible to transfer funds to phone numbers, email addresses, or other social identifiers, while its low gas fees make it more accessible and encourage the worldwide adoption of cryptocurrency.
Infrastructure Redesigns and Upcoming Stages for the Launch of the Celo Layer-2 Mainnet
Following the introduction of Dango, infrastructure service suppliers are beginning to enhance their Layer-2 code. After every major supplier has made the necessary updates to accommodate the new architecture, Alfajores will receive an upgrade without the need to start a separate branch. This process enables developers to conduct user application testing without affecting the apps seen by users.
Achieving this key achievement before the summer 2024 deadline paves the way for the expected Celo Layer-2 mainnet debut in the early part of winter 2024. The Celo Foundation and cLabs are dedicated to fostering innovation and improving the blockchain community, guaranteeing a smooth shift and strong expansion for both developers and users.
