The Baking Sheet - Issue #218

Nomadic Labs to Release Two Variants of Quebec Protocol Upgrade: Quebec A and Quebec B

Welcome, Tezos community! This week, we’re diving into something as rich and layered as a well-baked croissant. Nomadic Labs has just announced a twist in the tale of the upcoming Quebec protocol upgrade. In response to your feedback, they’re not just bringing one proposal to the table but two. So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in—we’ve got some intriguing choices to explore as we look at the future of Tezos.

We're thrilled to announce a special edition of Tuesday Tezday!

Join us next Tuesday at 11 AM UTC for an exclusive interview with Arthur Breitman as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Tezos whitepaper.

Don't miss this milestone event!

Nomadic Labs to Release Two Variants of Quebec Protocol Upgrade: Quebec A and Quebec B

In a move that underscores the collaborative nature of the Tezos ecosystem, Nomadic Labs has decided to release two distinct variants of the Quebec protocol proposal—Quebec A and Quebec B. These proposals are set to be introduced in the upcoming governance period, offering the community a choice in how the network evolves based on extensive feedback from bakers and contributors alike.

What’s in Quebec A?

Quebec A introduces several key updates aimed at refining the Tezos network:

  • Reduction of Minimal Block Times: The minimal block times will be reduced to 8 seconds, aiming to boost network efficiency and transaction speed.

  • Adjustment to Baker’s Minimal Delegated Balance Calculation: This update adjusts the way a baker’s minimal delegated balance is computed within a cycle, incorporating valuable community input.

  • Revised Adaptive Maximum Curve: The proposal includes a revised adaptive maximum curve designed to manage issuance rates more predictably, while maintaining robust staking incentives.

What’s in Quebec B?

Quebec B builds on the foundation of Quebec A but introduces a significant additional change:

  • Reduction in the Weight of Delegated Funds: This variant proposes to reduce the weight of delegated funds in the computation of baking power to one-third of their nominal value, encouraging more direct staking and further decentralizing the network.

Why Two Variants?

Recognizing that different community members have different priorities, Nomadic Labs is offering both Quebec A and Quebec B to give bakers the flexibility to choose how the network should evolve. Each proposal reflects a different approach to addressing key issues within the Tezos ecosystem, and the choice will ultimately be made by the community.

Addressing Community Concerns

Nomadic Labs has been actively engaging with the Tezos community throughout the development of these proposals. Specific feedback from posters like @tokyo_on_rails and @BakeTzForMe on Tezos Agora played a crucial role in shaping the revised adaptive maximum curve. @tokyo_on_rails suggested a decreasing linear curve, while @BakeTzForMe proposed a 180-degree rotation of the original curve. After careful consideration, Nomadic Labs opted for a new curve that provides a tighter maximal bound without sacrificing the curve’s original purpose. This approach addresses concerns that the original curve might reduce staking incentives too aggressively, particularly when the staked ratio is above 30%.

Looking Ahead

As we enter the next governance period, the discussion around Quebec A and Quebec B will be critical in determining the future direction of the Tezos network. Your input has been invaluable in shaping these proposals, and now it’s time to decide which path the network should take. Stay informed, participate in the dialogue, and let’s continue building the future of Tezos together.

Functori Launches Pandora: A Low-Cost and Decentralized Blockchain Notarization Rollup

Following the buzz around the upcoming Quebec proposals, we’re thrilled to spotlight another significant development in the Tezos ecosystem. The Functori team has just launched Pandora, an innovative Smart Optimistic Rollup designed to bring low-cost, fast, and secure blockchain notarization to the forefront. Pandora promises to simplify the process of data notarization on the blockchain while maintaining top-notch security and efficiency standards.

What is Pandora?

Pandora stands for the Provable and Auditable Notary for Decentralized Operational Record Authentication. It’s a cutting-edge Smart Optimistic Rollup built on Tezos, designed to notarize data on the blockchain with minimal cost and maximum security. By leveraging Tezos' robust development stack, Pandora brings a fresh approach to blockchain notarization, ensuring that it’s both accessible and efficient for all users.

Key Components of Pandora

Pandora’s architecture is meticulously crafted to ensure high security and seamless user interactions. Here’s a quick tour of its core components:

  • Kernel: The heart of Pandora, containing all the execution logic. It processes messages from the inbox, sorting them based on predefined formats and valid signatures. The kernel distinguishes between user-generated and smart contract-generated messages, adding an extra layer of security for internal communications.

  • Proxy Server: Simplifies data retrieval from the rollup and facilitates the notarization of hashes. It enhances the user experience by making interactions with Pandora more intuitive and accessible, without the need for complex external tools.

  • Smart Contracts: These play a critical role in securing interactions, such as handling L2 token transfers and withdrawals. The bridge contract ensures that funds are available on L1 before processing, adding another layer of security to the system.

Why Choose Pandora?

Pandora is more than just another rollup—it’s a comprehensive solution for decentralized operational record authentication. Here’s why Pandora stands out:

  • Security and Decentralization: Pandora’s multi-layered architecture, which includes L1, L2, and off-chain components, ensures your data is notarized with the highest security standards. It’s completely decentralized, meaning anyone can start their own instance, and users can notarize documents without relying on Pandora’s API, while still benefiting from its infrastructure.

  • Efficiency and Speed: Pandora is designed to handle high volumes of transactions quickly and efficiently. The seamless interaction between the kernel, proxy server, and smart contracts ensures that operations like notarization requests and token transfers are processed promptly.

  • Cost-Effective: By leveraging a rollup-based approach, Pandora reduces the costs associated with blockchain notarization, making it accessible to a broader audience without compromising on quality or security.

  • User-Friendly Experience: Pandora’s proxy server simplifies interactions, making the platform approachable for both seasoned blockchain users and newcomers. Notarizing data on the blockchain has never been easier.

  • Scalable and Future-Proof: With the ability to update its execution logic through upgrades, Pandora is built to evolve alongside the blockchain ecosystem. This flexibility ensures that Pandora remains relevant and effective as new challenges and opportunities arise.

Get Started with Pandora (Beta)

Pandora is currently in its Beta phase, re-deployed every week on Weeklynet for testing. Ready to give it a try? You can start by notarizing your first hash:

Generate a hash using:


echo -n "Pandora" | sha256sum

Notarize the hash with:

curl -X POST -H 'Content-Type: application/json' https://pandora-api.functori.com/notarize/hash -d '"611a4505767c42fe3c809f6beccc1d3a9cc8198a1fc19b5c86f022a2454a3ed2"' | jq

Check the notarization status:


➤ curl -X POST -H 'Content-Type: application/json' https://pandora-api.functori.com/notarize/status -d '"611a4505767c42fe3c809f6beccc1d3a9cc8198a1fc19b5c86f022a2454a3ed2"' | jq

{
  "status": "notarized",
  "timestamp": "2024-08-27T23:30:14-00:00"

It’s that simple! Congratulations, you’ve just notarized your first hash on Pandora.

Pandora is set to revolutionize the way data is notarized on the blockchain, combining speed, security, and cost-effectiveness in a user-friendly package. As the platform continues to develop, expect even more exciting features, including hash status tracking, proof of inclusion requests, and proof verification.

For a deeper dive into Pandora, check out the Technical Documentation or explore our guide to launching Pandora’s infrastructure from scratch. Feel free to share your ideas or report issues on Pandora’s GitLab page.

Stay tuned as Pandora evolves, bringing even more innovations to the Tezos ecosystem!

This Week in the Tezos Ecosystem

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Tezos White Paper with a Scavenger Hunt!

Tezos community, are you ready to put your skills to the test? In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Tezos White Paper, we’re inviting you to participate in an exciting scavenger hunt with a chance to win prizes totaling 2,000 tez! This isn’t just any ordinary contest—it's a challenge that will take you through the history and heart of Tezos, testing your wit and determination.

Here’s How You Can Participate:

  1. Like & RT: Start by liking and retweeting the contest post. Then, make sure you’re following @Tezos on Twitter to stay in the loop.

  2. Crack the Code: The journey begins with a riddle. Your first challenge is to decode the message and find the hidden clue. It’s a test of both your cryptographic and problem-solving skills—are you up for it?

  3. Find the Secret Link: Once you’ve cracked the code, the next step is to find the secret link. This link will lead you to a series of tasks that you must complete to advance in the hunt.

  4. Complete the Tasks: Follow the clues, complete the tasks, and get closer to the ultimate prize. The hunt is on, and the clock is ticking—be sure to finish before the contest ends on September 2nd!

Ready for the Challenge?

Here’s the code you need to crack:

l krog wkh ylvlrq, wkh guhdp, dqg wkh sodq, lq gljlwdo lqn, wkh ixwxuh ehjdq. d ghfdgh djr, l odlg wkh irxqgdwlrq, iru d eorfnfkdlq wkdw lqvsluhv lqqrydwlrq. wr xqghuvwdqg zkhuh whcrv wrrn lwv vwdqg, jr wr zkhuh lw ehjdq.

Unravel this riddle to uncover the next clue in your quest. This is a nod to the origins of Tezos, so think back to where it all began.

The Hunt Ends on September 2nd...

The race is on! Make sure to complete all the tasks before the deadline. With 2,000 tez up for grabs, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Good luck, Tezos community, and may the best scavenger win! Ready? Let’s go!

🔴 Now Streaming: Unlocking Seamless Access with Sign in with Tezos (SIWT)

This week, we’re excited to bring you a live demonstration of "Sign in with Tezos" (SIWT) with our special guest, Roy from the StakeNow team. Discover how SIWT is transforming the way users access Tezos-based dApps and services.

🌟 Our special guest is Roy, a key member of StakeNow and one of the driving forces behind the development of SIWT.

🔍 In this episode, we'll explore:

What is SIWT? - Learn how SIWT simplifies authentication on Tezos by allowing users to sign in with their Tezos wallets, streamlining access to dApps and services.

Roy's Demonstration: - Watch a live demo as Roy walks us through the sign-in process, showcasing the ease and security SIWT brings to the Tezos ecosystem.

🖥 Stream: YouTube | X