Ethereum to Deprecate Holesky Testnet by September 2025 for Hoodi Transition

Ethereum developers have announced their intention to discontinue support for the Holesky testnet by September 2025. This decision is part of a broader strategy to optimize and streamline the network's infrastructure, ensuring robust development practices. The Holesky testnet, launched in September 2023, has been instrumental in advancing staking, infrastructure, and protocol development within the Ethereum ecosystem. However, with the introduction of the new Hoodi testnet, which will activate the Pectra network upgrade on March 26, 2025, the necessity for Holesky has diminished.

The deprecation of Holesky is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of Ethereum's practice of phasing out testnets that have outlived their usefulness. In 2022, Kiln, Ropsten, and Rinkeby were discontinued, followed by the discontinuation of Goerli last year. These actions underscore the dynamic nature of the Ethereum network, which continually evolves to meet the demands of its users and developers.

The transition to Hoodi is designed to be seamless, with developers given ample time to migrate their operations. The Holesky testnet will continue to be supported until September 2025, allowing for a gradual shift to the new platform. This approach ensures that developers can test all Pectra features on Holesky, except for validator exits, which will be handled by Hoodi. The introduction of Hoodi is part of a broader effort to enhance the Ethereum network's capabilities. The Pectra upgrade, scheduled for activation on March 26, 2025, aims to improve the network's performance and security. The upgrade will address issues exposed during the configuration changes of the deposit contract on the Ethereum testnet, ensuring a more robust and reliable network.

The deprecation of Holesky and the activation of Hoodi represent significant steps in the evolution of the Ethereum ecosystem. These changes reflect the network's commitment to innovation and improvement, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of blockchain technology. As the Ethereum community continues to grow and evolve, these transitions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the network. The decision to deprecate Holesky by September 2025 aligns with industry norms, where the deprecation of test networks is standard practice. This move underscores Ethereum's dedication to optimizing its testing environment, ensuring robust development practices and a more efficient network infrastructure.