Dev Release-215

This release moves BlockDAG another step closer to real-time, insight-driven operations. On the Explorer side, we’re implementing the finalized Figma designs and standing up a dedicated Statistics & Charts dashboard that turns raw chain data into clean, interactive visuals. As part of ongoing R&D, we’re introducing Network Capacity (“Network Cap”) and Utilization metrics to help everyone understand how much blockspace the network can provide and how much of it is actually being used. We’re also adding a purpose-built Address Activity chart and API so users can analyze transaction patterns, balance changes, and interaction frequency for any address.
 

On the core protocol side, we’re wiring governance to operations: when an on-chain proposal is accepted, nodes can auto-download and switch binaries with zero hand-holding. And to keep apps responsive while a node is catching up, we’re rolling out an RPC Relay mechanism that forwards transactions to a fully synced peer and returns the peer’s response so end users aren’t blocked by local sync lag.

Together, these improvements sharpen observability, harden upgrade paths, and keep transaction flows smooth even during synchronization without compromising safety or data integrity.

• Deliver an intuitive, real-time Statistics & Charts dashboard in the Explorer.
• Introduce Network Capacity and Utilization metrics for clear blockspace insight.
• Provide an Address Activity chart and API for per-address analytics.
• Enable governance-triggered, automated binary upgrades for nodes.
• Maintain transaction continuity during sync via an RPC Relay to a fully synced peer.

• Graphs & Stats module now implements the approved Figma designs; the new Statistics & Charts dashboard enters the development stage.
• New metrics: Network Cap (theoretical throughput) and Utilization (actual usage vs cap) under active R&D.
• Address Activity API & chart to visualize per-address transactions, balance deltas, counterparties, and activity spikes.
• On-chain upgrades: ProposalAccepted → secure binary download → graceful restart → resume from same data directory.

The Explorer is moving into a new phase of capability with the implementation of the finalized Figma designs for the Statistics & Charts dashboard. This module will serve as a comprehensive analytics interface, providing users with real-time, filterable, and interactive insights into blockchain activity. It is designed to make network data more accessible, whether for developers analyzing performance trends or community members exploring overall activity.
 

As part of the rollout, we are introducing two important new metrics: Network Capacity and Utilization. Network Capacity will track the theoretical throughput of the BlockDAG protocol by calculating the blockspace available within the DAG structure at a given time. Utilization, on the other hand, will measure how much of that capacity is actively being used, offering a clear signal of network load and efficiency. Together, these metrics will give the community visibility into how much room the network has to scale at any moment and whether it is approaching peak usage.
 

In addition, a new Address Activity chart and API are being developed. This feature will allow anyone to view the historical behavior of a blockchain address, including its transaction frequency, balance changes, and periods of activity or inactivity. Users will be able to filter results by time range and transaction type, enabling deeper insights into asset flows and behavioral patterns. By combining these analytics tools into one dashboard, the Explorer becomes a powerful lens for understanding both high-level network health and granular address-level dynamics.

On the protocol side, the network is gaining a major upgrade in automation and reliability. We have implemented functionality that ties governance directly to node operations through the ProposalAccepted event emitted by the governance contract. When a proposal for an upgrade passes, the system automatically extracts the download URL for the new binary, initiates a secure download, gracefully stops the running node, and then restarts it with the updated binary continuing from the existing data directory. This ensures that upgrades are seamless, automated, and free from manual intervention, reducing both downtime and the risk of operational errors.
 

To complement this, we are also introducing a Relay Node mechanism to address RPC issues that occur during synchronization. When a node is lagging behind or in sync mode, it will forward any incoming transactions to its fully synced peer, the same peer it is using for catch-up. That peer processes the transaction and returns a response, which is then relayed back to the original sender. This system ensures uninterrupted transaction processing, even when the local node is not fully up to date, thereby maintaining consistent participation across the network.
 

Together, these upgrades strengthen the foundation of BlockDAG’s core infrastructure. They allow governance to directly drive binary upgrades in a safe and automated way, while also ensuring that users experience no disruption in transaction handling, even during synchronization events. This dual focus on resilience and usability makes the blockchain more robust, more autonomous, and better prepared to handle network growth.

• NFT Placeholder Image: If tokenURI is missing or unreachable, the Explorer now shows a clean default image instead of a broken thumbnail.
• ERC-1155 Ownership Sync: Post-transfer contract ownership updates are reflected in real time; Explorer no longer displays the original deployer after ownership changes.

• Ship the Statistics & Charts features to the development completion phase with Network Cap & Utilization tiles.
• Backfill historical capacity/utilization series for long-range trendlines.
• Expand Address Activity with contract-method breakdowns and counterparty heatmaps.
• Harden the upgrade pipeline with staged canaries and operator preflight checks.
• Roll out RPC Relay metrics (forward count, success rate, latency) to the node’s /metrics.

We encourage developers, miners, and governance participants to test these features and share feedback. Every release is shaped by community involvement, and your input directly informs our roadmap.
 

Email: [email protected]
Join: Developer forums, Testnet Awakeningchannels, and governance proposal discussions.

This release deepens our visibility, streamlines upgrades, and keeps the transaction path clear even when local nodes are catching up. We’re building toward a network where observability is default, upgrades are governed, and throughput headroom is obvious. Onward block by block.