Helios Protocol Roadmap Update
The Helios Protocol is the culmination of several brand new leading edge technologies, from our blockchain database architecture, to our MaGPoS consensus mechanism. Due to the novelty of many of these technologies, it is impossible to fully predict the development process far into the future. Inevitably, one is bound to run into surprises that were not predicted and have to react in an agile manner. This has happened several times in our development, and for the most part, we were able to react but catch up with our original roadmap, which was created over a year ago.
However, in Q1 2019 we have decided to include a few additional components to our development process ahead of mainnet launch, which are quite time consuming and were never accounted for in the original roadmap. These components are the development of the Python Web3 API, the Javascript Web3 API, and the Helios Testnet Wallet.
We could have moved ahead and launched the mainnet without these, but there would have been no easy way for non-technical users to interact with the blockchain. We believe everyone should be able to join in the testing phase together, as one community, no matter their technical background or understanding. Having the wallet and API’s available during the testnet simplifies the testing process. This is why we opted to develop these ahead of mainnet launch. Because of this, we have had much less time to test the protocol with our testnet.
Blockchain, by nature, is meant to be an extremely reliable and immutable backbone of many applications, including financial applications. Thus, it is our duty to ensure that the Helios Protocol passes all possible tests and operates within the expected parameters under all conditions. After much deliberation, we have determined that we need additional time for testing to ensure this is the case. Therefore, we must extend the testnet by a few months. Below, is our new roadmap for 2019.
Testnet stage 1
Q4 2018
Internal testing of the node software where we program unit tests for every part of the software. After the unit tests pass, we set up our own network of nodes and run real world tests that prepare the nodes for what they will see at mainnet. In this stage, the blockchain database will be reset very often, so any transactions won’t remain for long.
Wallet and API development
Q1 2019
During this time we continue development on the Helios Protocol testnet wallet, Web3 Javascript API, and Web3 Python API. The wallet is a prototype version of our final wallet. It will have the main functionality that allows the interaction with the blockchain, but doesn’t include smart contract interaction, and doesn’t have the final UI or UX design. The two API’s are to allow a way for developers to more easily create applications that interact with the blockchain. They also allow applications to be easily migrated over from the Ethereum platform.
Testnet stage 2
Q1 2019
Internal testing of the new Web3 Javascript API, Web3 Python API, the new testnet wallet, and the interaction between these components and the network of nodes. We will use the new wallet to send and receive very large numbers of transactions in order to stress test the network. During this time we are bound to uncover bugs, vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies. We will take the time to address and solve every last issue before moving to the next stage. In this stage, the blockchain database will be reset very often, so again, any transactions won’t remain for long.
Testnet stage 3
Q2 2019
Public testing of node software, Web3 Javascript API, Web3 Python API, and testnet wallet. We will give instructions in our discord and other social media platforms on how to use these products in order to try out the capabilities of Helios Protocol and help with testing. This stage will test the blockchain network on a larger scale in the exact same environment as mainnet, and allow us to fix any new bugs, and prove, without a doubt, that the technology is ready. In this stage, the blockchain database will be reset less often, so transactions can be expected to remain for a longer period of time. We will remain at this stage until the protocol is proven to be 100% reliable and bug free.
Mainnet stage 1
Q2 2019 (previously Q1 2019)
Launching of the mainnet commences with smart contracts disabled. We will continue to have smart contracts enabled on the testnet, but will wait until they have been thoroughly tested before enabling them on mainnet.
Token swap
Q2 or Q3 2019
The token swap will most likely take place during mainnet stage 1, but we may decide to have it at mainnet stage 2 instead.
Testnet stage 4
Q2 2019
Testing continues on smart contracts, Dapps, and interactions with these through our API’s. Adding new features that run through smart contracts (more info coming soon).
Mainnet stage 2
Q2 or Q3 2019
Enabling of smart contracts and all new features on mainnet.
In conclusion, we believe this new roadmap will be more efficient and result in a better product that is up to our high standards. The same standards that our community deserves. We also want to make it clear that we will continue to strive to keep up with our proposed roadmap, however, we will not release any products until they are ready. This may result in future additions to the roadmap.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to join us in our discord where you can ask the team members directly.
Telegram: https://t.me/heliosprotocol
Website: https://heliosprotocol.io
Discord: https://discord.gg/B9qWHHZ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeliosPlatform
Trybe: https://trybe.one/ref/19149
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeliosProtocolPlatform/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heliosprotocol/
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/heliosprotocol
Bitcoin Talk: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4317054.0
Github: https://github.com/Helios-Protocol
Helios Platform Node Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclfc6BgPTD_CX4VNuLmw639E1LZOlvNwtC3dXgBLwaElnIuA/viewform
