Ethereum Could Soon Launch Its First Casper Testnet

Ethereum developers are looking to use code for their experimental Casper proof-of-stake protocol as the basis for a new test network.

During a core developer meeting today, ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin said that not only is Casper ready to be tested, but that it could provide a security boost when testing code across clients. It's a prospect that could come as a relief to developers, particularly those working on projects that must interface with the network's varied client offerings.

"If we realistically want to roll out Casper in whatever hard fork, then eventually people need to start implementing it," argued developer Szilagyi.

The meeting confirmed that Casper has a full Python implementation and that it has undergone some minor testing.

The meeting's participants ultimately decided to conduct research toward a new test environment, to be led by ethereum developer Piper Merriam along with representatives from the Parity, Geth and Casper development teams.