Ethereum developers have launched a new testnet called Hooli to complete testing for the upcoming Pectra upgrade.
New Testnet Hooli
After significant issues encountered in previous testing efforts, developers decided to take additional precautions before full deployment. A new testnet named Hooli is launching on Monday, March 26, to complete Pectra testing. The main task of the testing will be to evaluate performance and stability when migrating the network to the new version.
Issues with Previous Testnets
The decision to launch Hooli came after test failures on Ethereum’s Sepolia and Holesky testnets. In both cases, configuration errors disrupted the evaluation process, and Holesky suffered extended outages due to faulty tests. Ethereum’s testnets, such as Sepolia, Holesky, and now Hooli, operate similarly to the mainnet but are designed for risk-free testing.
Benefits of Pectra Upgrade
Pectra introduces several improvements aimed at enhancing the speed, efficiency, and usability of Ethereum. One of the most anticipated changes is the addition of smart contract functionality to wallet addresses, allowing users to pay for transactions in currencies other than ETH. This feature is expected to improve Ethereum’s user experience and drive wider adoption.
If the Hooli test is successful, developers plan to roll out the upgrade to Ethereum's mainnet in about 30 days, likely in late April or early May.
