For two years, the SDF and other community members have collaborated to integrate smart contract capabilities into the Stellar network, representing a substantial advancement for Stellar. This integration introduces a range of new possibilities while ensuring compatibility with existing network functions.

A crucial milestone has recently been achieved with the release of a comprehensive software suite covering all aspects of Protocol 20, enabling Soroban smart contracts on the Stellar network. To facilitate this transition, network validators have scheduled a vote for January 30 to determine whether Mainnet should be upgraded to Protocol 20, allowing ample time for ecosystem preparation through software updates.

Protocol 20 is anticipated to be Stellar's most significant improvement yet, with a gradual rollout planned by validators to maintain performance, security, and stability. If validators approve the upgrade on January 30, Stellar will transition from Protocol 19 to Protocol 20, marking the culmination of over two years of technical work involving extensive code development and testing on the Testnet. This upgrade introduces an all-in-one tech stack designed for scalability and efficiency, heralding a new era for Stellar smart contracts.

Despite the monumental nature of this transition, the move to Protocol 20 will proceed cautiously. Validators will gradually increase Soroban transaction capacity on Mainnet, initially limiting Soroban transactions and delaying the operation of dApps built on the Soroban platform until later stages. This phased approach allows for thorough evaluation of smart contract functionality's impact on network performance and stability.

The staged rollout ensures that functionalities and features are resilient and secure for all network users while expediting deployment in an efficient and transparent manner. This method mirrors the phased rollout model used in various levels of previews during the release phase experience, demonstrating the SDF's commitment to securely implementing smart contracts on the Stellar network.