Ethereum 2.0 Phase 0 launch inching closer as multi-client testnet progresses

In a recent blog post, researcher Danny Ryan confirmed the first Ethereum 2.0 multi-client testnet launched last month in an effort led by fellow developer Afri Schoedon. The testnet, dubbed Schlesi, aims to evaluate how different client implantations interact using an early iteration (specifically, the v0.11 spec) of the Beacon Chain, which will serve as the backbone of ETH 2.0.

Schlesi launched with support from the Prysmatic Labs and Sigma Prime development teams, who have synced their respective ETH 2.0 clients (Prysm and Lighthouse) and "are actively validating the network." In more recent news, a third implementation, PegaSys' Teku client, has joined the testnet as of May 6. The Nimbus team, backed by Status, also indicated its client synced with Schlesi back on Apr. 30. However, Nimbus later revealed that they "are ironing out the final compatibility issues to fully join this network."

The Ethereum Foundation intends to run an "official" multi-client testnet eventually. While Schlesi is one of a few pre-mainnet versions of the Beacon Chain in operation, Danny said it "might very well turn into the multi-client testnet in a couple of iterations." CoinDesk reports that Ethereum devs could aim to run this more advanced testnet for at least a couple of months and have it withstand public use before turning towards a possible mainnet launch.

Why it matters:

• Progress is always promising, but one can't help but ask what the schedule for the ETH 2.0 launch is? Estimates are somewhat scattered at the moment, with some developers saying it could arrive as early as Q3 2020, while others believe 2021 is a more reasonable timeline given the amount of work remaining. But the extended development roadmap shouldn't be a surprise. The ETH 2.0 migration is breaking new ground and attempting some highly complex technical feats. With the funds at stake, it makes sense developers are taking the time to test their novel designs and clients thoroughly.
• ETH holders and prospective stakers should understand that when ETH 2.0 does eventually go live, it will have limited functionality. Evan Van Ness likens the expected ETH 2.0 launch to that of the existing network. When Ethereum launched in 2015, "you literally couldn't do anything but mine. There were bugs and emergency fixes." Likewise, the first live iteration of ETH 2.0 might only allow staking (and experience a few hiccups) before developers gradually unlock more capabilities.