Author: Marco Gonzalez
Editor: Randall Roland

Our story begins with advancing Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) from projects like Bitshares and Steemit. Central to EOS consensus is block producers (BPs). Instead of mining a blockchain (i.e., Bitcoin and Ethereum), computer resources are used to produce blocks of data. BPs take turns completing this task.

To keep the system as fast as possible, only the top 21 BPs contribute. Top BP positions are those that amass the most staked tokens (either their own or from the community). This process is the foundation of EOSIO, the open-source technology that birthed the EOS public mainnet. Anchoring EOS' next developmental stage is Dan Larimer's book More Equal Animals.

The future of the EOS mainnet hinges on the development of Mandel (now called Leap). This third version of EOSIO (now called Antelope) will introduce a full-service blockchain. Expect streamlined APIs, maturely developed infrastructure, and a friendly user environment.

EOSIO rebranding was a surprise, well, at least until recent months. The core technology rebrand illustrates the paradigm shift from Block.one (now B1) to the EOS Network Foundation (ENF) as lead developer. Note that Mandel was the name given to the interim development of EOSIO version 3. A permanent name (Antelope) was revealed August 17, 2022.

An initial Mandel (now called Leap) release candidate began circulating earlier this year. Development and testing continue, expecting a user-ready product between the end of Q3 and early Q4 (currently weeks away). In the meantime, core developers engage in advancing working groups toward robust applications. Among the most enticing new products is the Trust Network, an EOS virtual machine for networking with the Ethereum blockchain. Quite a different atmosphere around the mainnet now for sure.

Want a glimpse into Antelope Leap? Explore the new working groups (WG+) and associated events. Here's an introductory post by ENF CEO Yves La Rose, Next Level Collaboration on EOS with Sponsored Working Groups. The first working groups tackled the fundamental building blocks of Leap, including:

As these groups began delivering their blue papers, other groups emerged to support more elaborate development. The latest collaboration extends beyond the mainnet, spanning other EOSIO-based blockchains.

Take special note of the EOSIO+ (Now Antelope+) Coalition. While not solely dedicated to the mainnet's development, the Coalition bridges the gap between EOS and independent DPoS protocol applications. Throw in an EOS EVM, and the mainnet becomes the heart of potentially the most magnificent crypto endeavor.

Implementing most of what’s been presented above began with a core team of developers. The group came together under the leadership of Yves La Rose and the EOS Network Foundation. Their efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Developers from within and outside the community recognize the potential. The team continues to attract new talent as the weeks pass.

The ENF is about more than just coordinating development. Community members realize the need to embrace planning for the future of a public blockchain. For instance, the ENF filed a lawsuit against B1 (to protect and recoup assets). It's also why the ENF founded a framework for valued project funding. The community is behind both.

Blockchain governance is not as popular as NFTs. An ever engaged community, the EOS mainnet welcomes EdenOS software integration. The vision for Eden on EOS involves empowering members to directly add value to EOS. Blockchain governance currently rests in the hands of block producers. Eden systematizes the selection of members to become delegates to receive funding. Electing mere community members through blockchain consensus represents an unprecedented dynamic within the space.

Communicating all the intricacies of emerging events to EOS’ diverse user base is indeed challenging. So is onboarding them. EOS Support provides both services. New EOS users can start at the Learning Center and/or Chat. EOS Support also caters to more complex questions developers and exchanges may have. Whatever your need, EOS Support is an excellent place to start your journey.

EOS developers remain at the heart of the community. The uptick in new projects directly related to Antelope Leap development illustrates this. There are too many new projects to list here. The Pomelo grants database is a good place to gauge community-driven development.

EOS Costa Rica is important to the mainnet for several reasons. The BP has a long-standing track record as a mainnet app developer. Its CEO also happens to be a former Head Chief Delegate (CD) of Eden on EOS. Other projects led by this second group of CDs include JBB.ONE, Bywire, and Helios. Note that EOS Support is the brainchild of a founding Eden CD.

Also worth mentioning is ƒractally, the rebranded project once known as ClarionOS, the team that brought us EdenOS. Team ƒractally is led by Daniel Larimer, the visionary behind the EOS mainnet. The ƒractally objective? Loosely stated, a universal consensus protocol based on blockchain. The EOSIO+ (now Antelope+) Coalition is another important project whose advantages expect to permeate across the greater ecosystem. And then there's the Trust Network that, once unleashed, may take EOS mainstream.

EOS is nimble, functional, and highly adaptable. Users can operate the network at high speeds with near-zero costs. Leadership conducive to core developers has always been a critical issue. ENF satisfies that directional need. Factor in friendly user support and an excited community alongside innovative funding, and the sky (maybe even the Moon) is the limit.