DigiByte Core v8.26.0 Release Notes

Release Overview

DigiByte Core v8.26.0 Beta Release represents a monumental upgrade, successfully merging Bitcoin Core v26.2 into DigiByte while preserving all of DigiByte's unique features. This release brings cutting-edge Bitcoin technology to the DigiByte blockchain, achieved in just 3 months through innovative AI-assisted development with Team DigiSwarm.

This is a pre-release beta version intended for testing purposes only. Do not use for production or with significant funds.

Major Milestone

What previously took 4 years and a large development team for v8.22, has been accomplished in 3 months using AI-assisted development. This demonstrates the future of open-source blockchain development and the power of the DigiByte community.

Protocol Upgrade

• Protocol Version: Upgraded from 70018 to 70019
• Compatibility: All nodes should upgrade to maintain network compatibility

Major Features from Bitcoin Core v26.2

1. Taproot & Advanced Scripting

• Full Taproot Support: Enhanced privacy and efficiency for complex transactions
• Schnorr Signatures: More efficient signature scheme with improved privacy
• MAST (Merkelized Alternative Script Trees): Advanced smart contract capabilities
• Miniscript: Simplified script composition for complex spending conditions
• BIP 86/341/342 Support: Complete Taproot implementation

2. Performance Improvements

• AssumeUTXO: Dramatically reduces initial blockchain sync time from 8-16 hours to minutes
• Compact Block Filters (BIP 157/158): Improved light client support
• CoinGrinder Algorithm: Optimized coin selection for transaction creation
• Enhanced Mempool Management: More efficient transaction processing
• Improved Block Propagation: Faster block relay across the network

3. Network Security Enhancements

• BIP324 v2 P2P Encryption: Optional encrypted connections between nodes
• Full-RBF by Default: Replace-by-fee enabled for all transactions
• Eclipse Attack Resistance: Improved peer selection algorithms
• Multi-Network Connectivity: Better network isolation and security
• Enhanced DoS Protection: Improved resistance to denial-of-service attacks

4. Wallet Improvements

• Descriptor Wallets: Now the default wallet type for improved functionality
• Native Taproot Address Support: Generate and use dgb1p addresses
• Hardware Wallet Integration: Enhanced support for external signing devices
• New RPC Commands:
  • sendall: Send entire wallet balance in one transaction
  • simulaterawtransaction: Test transactions without broadcasting
  • scanblocks: Efficient UTXO scanning
  • getprioritisedtransactions: View fee-bumped transactions
• Improved Coin Control: More granular control over transaction inputs
• Watch-Only Wallet Enhancements: Better support for cold storage setups

5. Mining & RPC Enhancements

• generateblock RPC: Direct block generation for testing
• Enhanced getblocktemplate: Improved mining pool support
• Stratum v2 Preparation: Foundation for next-generation mining protocol
• Fee Estimation Improvements: More accurate fee predictions

Preserved DigiByte Features

All core DigiByte innovations remain fully functional:

• Multi-Algorithm Mining: SHA256, Scrypt, Skein, Qubit (+ Odocrypt at height 9,112,320)
• DigiShield & DigiSpeed: Real-time difficulty adjustment
• Dandelion++ Privacy: Enhanced transaction privacy through stempool
• 15-Second Block Time: 40x faster than Bitcoin
• 21 Billion Maximum Supply: Maintaining DigiByte's economic model
• 8-Block Maturity: Faster coinbase maturity (100 blocks after certain height)

Technical Changes

Consensus Changes

• Taproot activation parameters configured for DigiByte
• Script validation updated for new opcodes
• Witness version 1 support enabled

P2P Network Changes

• Increased default outbound connections from 8 to 16
• Improved header synchronization
• Enhanced block announcement logic
• Support for v2 transport protocol (BIP324)

Database & Storage

• Improved UTXO database performance
• Enhanced pruning capabilities
• Optimized block storage format
• Better database corruption recovery

Testing Status

• ✅ All 586 C++ unit tests passing
• ✅ Mainnet synchronization verified
• ✅ Multi-algorithm mining tested
• ✅ Wallet functionality confirmed
• ✅ Functional tests fixed

Known Issues

• v2transport tests disabled (not yet enabled by default in DigiByte)

Who Should Upgrade

Beta Testers & Developers: This release is specifically for testing. We encourage:

• Testnet node operators to upgrade and report issues
• Developers to test new features and provide feedback
• Mining pools to test compatibility (on testnet only)

Production Users: Wait for the stable release after beta testing is complete

Building from Source

git clone https://github.com/DigiByte-Core/digibyte.git
cd digibyte
git checkout v8.26.0
./autogen.sh
./configure
make -j$(nproc)

Reporting Issues

Please report any issues to: https://github.com/DigiByte-Core/digibyte/issues

When reporting, include:

• Your operating system
• Steps to reproduce
• Any error messages
• Debug.log output if applicable

Acknowledgments

This release was made possible through the collaborative efforts of:

• Team DigiSwarm & AI-assisted development
• DigiByte Core developers
• Bitcoin Core contributors (upstream changes)
• The DigiByte community testers and supporters

Special recognition to the innovative use of AI in accelerating development while maintaining code quality and security.

Links

• Pull Request: #327
• DigiByte Website: https://digibyte.org

Reminder: This is a beta release for testing only. Do not use with production wallets or significant funds.