• Ethereum developers have started to refer to the upcoming hard fork as “Shapella.”
• This is a combination of the Shanghai upgrade (execution layer) and Capella (consensus layer).
• Both upgrades are expected to roll out sometime next month.

What is Shapella?

Ethereum developers have started to refer to the blockchain’s upcoming hard fork – in this case a key upgrade – as “Shapella.” This is a combination of the Shanghai upgrade (execution layer) and Capella (consensus layer), which are both expected to roll out sometime next month.

Understanding Ethereum Before The Merge

To understand what the two layers are, one needs to understand Ethereum prior to when it went through the last upgrade, the Merge. Ethereum’s old proof-of-work blockchain was also known as the execution (application) layer. When Ethereum began its proof-of-stake (PoS) chain, also known as the consensus layer, developers were originally going to transition over to just the PoS chain. But that seemed to be too complicated of a task for developers, so they decided to merge the two chains together – hence the “Merge.”

The Shanghai Upgrade

The reason this matters – in regards calling it Shapella – is that each layer has different names for their respective upgrades. The execution layer will undergo the Shanghai upgrade while on the consensus side it’s known as Capella. Therefore, merging both names into one – “Shapella” – creates an easy way for developers and other users of Ethereum’s network alike can reference both updates without confusion or difficulty.

The Impact Of Shapella On The Crypto Space

The imminent launch of Shapella will bring many changes within Etheruem’s network such as increased transaction speeds, lower gas fees and improved scalability overall. This could potentially allow more users access onto Ethereum’s platform due to its new capabilities allowing for faster and cheaper transactions than before Shapella’s launch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shapella is not just another update within Etheruem’s network but rather a combination of two separate upgrades occurring within different layers of Ethereum . By merging these two updates into one – “Shapellla” – brings ease and clarity when referencing this highly anticipated change coming soon.