Dencun is an Ethereum network upgrade that bundles two coordinated changes: Deneb on the consensus layer and Cancun on the execution layer. The goal is better scalability and cheaper data handling, especially for layer 2 rollups that settle back to Ethereum.
The word “Dencun” is a portmanteau of Deneb and Cuncun. It signals that the release touches both halves of Ethereum’s architecture, not just one side. Deneb relates to how validators reach agreement, while Cancun relates to how transactions are executed.
Dencun went live on March 13, 2024, at Ethereum epoch 269,568. The rollout began around 1:55 pm UTC and finalized shortly after.
Dencun’s headline feature is proto-danksharding (EIP-4844). It adds a new kind of transaction that carries data blobs. Blobs hold large batches of rollup data off the main chain for a short time, which frees up block space and helps cut costs for users on layer 2 networks. Verification uses commitments so nodes can check blob integrity without storing the full contents forever.
By moving rollup data into blobs, the upgrade is designed to make L2 transactions far cheaper and improve the overall capacity of the Ethereum ecosystem. That change aims to boost the adoption of applications that rely on rollups, like DeFi and NFTs.
Alongside EIP-4844, the upgrade shipped several additional Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). Highlights include EIP-4788 for safer coordination between the consensus and execution layers, EIP-6780 to limit how contracts can self-destruct, plus changes that improve contract efficiency and validator operations.
Dencun is a stepping stone toward full danksharding. It arrived about a year after the Shanghai or “Shapella” release, and it fits into the scaling phase of Ethereum’s long-term plan. Shard chains are no longer on the roadmap, so blob-based data availability is the path forward.
DISCLAIMER: Acquire.Fi is the listing and advertising platform for Web3 businesses and does not certify or verify the information provided to the platform by the business owners. Acquire.FI LTD (Acquire.Fi) does not hold itself out as providing any legal, financial or other advice. Acquire.Fi also does not make any recommendation or endorsement as to any investment, advisor or other service or product or to any material submitted by third parties to Acquire.Fi. Acquire.Fi is not a licensed crypto asset service provider for the purpose of EU regulation. The following list is compiled from Acquire Fi partners. Acquire fi is not a licensed crypto asset service provider for the purpose of EU regulation.
Have queries? Reach out to us on the email below!
team@acquire.fi
.webp)