Cardano launches Hydra Node 1.0 in the context of promoting ZK Evolution

Recently, Cardano (ADA) has launched version Hydra Node 1.0.0, an important update aimed at enhancing speed and reducing transaction costs. This issuance comes as developers prepare for the Starstream project, which is expected to introduce privacy-focused smart contracts next year.

Hydra Node 1.0.0 brings faster and cheaper transactions

Cardano has achieved a new milestone in its development with the launch of Hydra Node 1.0.0. This update was announced by the Cardano blockchain expansion team on GitHub, confirming that the protocol is now ready for deployment in production environments.

Hydra is designed to optimize transaction speed and reduce costs, enabling Cardano to handle more transactions without delays.

The new issuance brings a range of important features. It allows partial fund transfers, improves the accuracy of information on the Hydra interface, and resolves issues related to outdated data.

Cardano launches Hydra v1.0.0 | Source: MinternAdditionally, developers have updated the API to provide clearer feedback and added new transaction access points. These updates, though small but continuous, aim to make Hydra more stable and reliable for developers.

According to information from Minswap Intern, Hydra has achieved a speed of over one million transactions per second during testing. If this performance is maintained on the mainnet, Cardano will become one of the fastest blockchains today.

Developers have also noted that they are continuing to improve areas such as "partial decentralization", which affects how data is distributed within the system. Nevertheless, this version marks an important step forward in Cardano's expansion plan, laying a solid foundation for future updates and enhancing user experience.

Update on the Starstream project

The Cardano developer, Sebastien Guillemot, has shared new information about Starstream, a project being developed alongside Hydra. In a recent post, he stated that the team is aiming to finalize Starstream to be ready for production next year.

Notably, the project will focus on developing privacy-preserving smart contracts, using zero-knowledge technology (ZK) for the Midnight Network. This means that users can conduct transactions and run smart contracts privately, while still benefiting from the security and speed of Cardano.

Loading the UTXO upgrade of Starstream | Source: Sebastien GuillemotThe goal is to make Cardano not only scalable but also capable of processing private transactions to protect user data. Starstream is expected to operate in sync with Hydra. While Hydra focuses on speed and scalability, Starstream will add a layer of security.

Both of these projects have the potential to make Cardano more attractive to developers looking to build complex and efficient decentralized applications.

By applying ZK technology, Cardano will join the ranks of other blockchains exploring similar privacy-preserving tools, but with a distinct approach based on the UTXO model.

Updates from Guillemot indicate that the team is not only focused on growth but also on innovation to meet practical needs.

Analysis of ADA price and market expectations

As Cardano continues to improve its network, analysts and investors are closely monitoring the price of ADA. At the time of reporting, the price of ADA is trading around $0.81, with many analysts predicting a strong price increase in the upcoming market cycle.

ADA Price Chart | Source: CoinphotonAn analyst known as Chris predicts that the price of ADA could rise from $5 to $8, corresponding to an increase of over 500% from the current level. He encourages the community to monitor this prediction, emphasizing that previous cycles have shown similar growth patterns.

Many other analysts in the community also agree with this view. Commentators like Mr. Banana and Alex Becker believe that ADA still has great potential, considering $5 as a realistic target.

Cryptocurrency researcher Dan Gambardello also pointed out that $8 could be a high point in this cycle.

Although market conditions remain unstable, many investors see the issuance of Hydra and the progress of Starstream as signs that Cardano is building long-term strength.

The combination of scalability, lower transaction fees, and a development focus on privacy may attract more projects and users to the network.

Mr. Teacher