Arborist Call #101 | R&D Summary
Core Stack Updates from the Zcash Foundation on Zebra, and from ECC on Zcashd.We`llalso get updates from Zingo Labs on Core Libraries like Zallet, Zaino & Zcashd. As well as Ongoing R&I Progress.
The Zcash Arborist Calls are bi-weekly protocol development meetings focused on tracking upcoming protocol deployment logistics, consensus node implementation issues, and protocol research.
This summary focuses on the last call that took place on 05/15/2025
Zebra v2.3.0 is out!
Highlights from the last 2 weeks:
Optional field fix for GET state (Zaino integration)
New size & time fields in txs
Zallet testing revealed & helped fix repeating logs • CI & HTTP middleware bugs squashed
``We heard the community!’’
Added size & time to transactions (yes, ZF’s now more cautious about breaking changes)
Major refactor: Moved getblocktemplate RPC methods under one roof
validateaddress now supports text addresses
Ongoing work in Zebra
valuePools for getblock – @ Conrado
New RPC for mempool changes – Aria
Shielded coinbase support – Marek Zebra is leveling up. Stay tuned.
Big step forward for Zcash wallets:
Mempool scanning support is underway in zallet • Address rotation now live in @ElectricCoinCo mobile wallet SDKs
Seamless privacy & UX improvements for mobile users
ECC is moving fast:
One-time Lockbox disbursement implementation is planned.
Key rotation & long-term Lockbox protocol discussions ongoing
Got ideas? We’re welcoming community input for NU7!
Milestone 2 is almost wrapped!
Introducing Mainnet Shadowing Mode — a fork of Zebra with BFT integration. It syncs with Zcash mainnet and a BFT network that reaches consensus on PoW headers.
It's rough but live! Docs & community test soon.
Want to experiment with BFT + Zcash?
Join the Mainnet Shadowing test lab next week via the Zcash Global Discord.
Bring your IP & port to join or just hang out, run the node locally, and learn with us.
All welcome. Let’s break things!
ZCG update.
ZCG is facing budget pressure as NU7 delays extend funding timelines for grantees like Qedit, @ZingoLabs, and Blockchain Commons. Without a clear roadmap, ongoing support becomes challenging. A realistic NU7 timeline is critical.
Blockchain Commons' ZeWIF format had early issues due to mismatches with zcashd’s architecture. Collaboration with ECC and @zcashd developers is now helping stabilize it. Tools like Zallet benefits #Wallet
Key takeaway: Coordination is everything. Realistic deadlines, tight feedback loops, and shared expectations between grantees and core teams can reduce resource strain and ensure sustainable progress. ZCG is actively working on improving this.
