Ethereum core developer Tim Beiko has provided key recommendations and reminders for developers and users ahead of The Merge, expected within three months. This transition marks Ethereum's shift from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus.
Key Preparations for Developers and Users
Beiko emphasized two critical smart contract adjustments post-Merge:
- Beacon Chain Randomness Method: The algorithm supporting application operations will change (as outlined in Ethereum Foundation's November 2021 update).
- Block Time Reduction: Decreases from 13 to 12 seconds, affecting time-dependent contracts by ~1 second faster execution.
👉 Understand how PoS impacts Ethereum's future
Testing and Risk Mitigation
Cross-client testing on multiple testnets aims to prevent:
- Protocol-layer conflicts (99% of changes)
- Application-layer disruptions (minimal expected)
"The biggest risks lie in tooling and infrastructure," noted Beiko, adding that any discovered issues would delay the Merge to ensure network security.
Staking and Token Release Clarifications
Investors concerned about post-Merge ETH unlocks can rest assured:
- Beacon Chain ETH (12.6M currently staked) remains locked without network upgrades
- Rewards will release gradually, not as a single influx
- Most staked ETH belongs to long-term holders unlikely to sell
FAQ Section
When will The Merge occur?
The Merge is tentatively scheduled for August 2022, pending successful shadow forks and final tests.
How does PoS benefit Ethereum?
Transitioning to PoS reduces energy consumption by ~99.95% while maintaining network security through staked ETH instead of mining.
Can smart contracts break post-Merge?
Critical changes affect only time-dependent contracts using block intervals. Most dApps require no modifications.
👉 Explore Ethereum's roadmap upgrades
Conclusion
Beiko maintains confidence in Merge execution despite past delays, with focus now on:
- Final cross-client validation
- Infrastructure tooling stability
- Gradual ETH staking reward releases
Developers should monitor Ethereum Foundation announcements for last-minute updates as testnets progress.