Beginner Friendly Explanation of the Latest SDK v53 Update on Luna Classic

Terra Classic is currently testing a major software upgrade on its rebel 2 testnet. The upgrade brings the network in line with the latest Cosmos SDK v0.53 and IBC v2 standards. The testnet has been running smoothly for around three weeks, showing stable core chain services.

This article explains the update in a simple way and highlights what it means for users and developers.

What Is Being Tested on Terra Classic

1. The rebel 2 testnet is running Cosmos SDK v0.53.x
2. The upgrade has been active for approximately three weeks
3. Core chain services remain stable
4. Active testing is still ongoing
5. This upgrade is not yet live on mainnet

What Is a Testnet

A testnet is a practice network used before mainnet deployment.

1. Developers test upgrades safely
2. No real funds are involved
3. Issues can be fixed early
4. Mainnet users are not affected

What Was Upgraded

Two major components were updated.

1. Cosmos SDK v0.53.4 is the main blockchain framework
2. It manages transactions, modules, and core logic
3. It is widely used across Cosmos based networks
4. IBC v2 (IBC go v10.3.0) handles cross chain communication
5. It enables blockchain interoperability
6. It is the latest supported version

Is the Network Stable

Based on the developer update:

1. Core chain services are stable
2. The testnet has been running for about three weeks
3. No major issues have been reported
4. Testing is still ongoing

What Actually Changed for the Ecosystem

1. Only one visible change was introduced
2. The change mainly affects developers
3. Normal users are largely unaffected
4. The change is related to transaction outputs

Transaction Logs and Events Explained Simply

When a transaction is sent, the blockchain returns information about what happened.

1. Previously, this information was returned as logs
2. With Cosmos SDK v0.53, logs are deprecated
3. Events are now the official source of transaction data
4. Smart contracts already emit events
5. Events are indexed and searchable
6. Most explorers already rely on events

How Terra Classic Reduced Potential Issues

Terra Classic introduced a compatibility layer to reduce disruption.

1. When querying confirmed transactions, logs are reconstructed from events
2. When broadcasting transactions, logs are no longer included
3. This follows the new Cosmos SDK standards

What This Means for Developers

No changes are needed for most applications.

1. Apps that query transactions after confirmation
2. Indexers already using events
3. Smart contract event handling

Changes are required for some applications.

4. Apps that expect logs immediately after broadcasting a transaction
5. Wait for the transaction to be included in a block
6. Query the transaction by its hash
7. Read transaction data from events

New Recommended Transaction Flow

Old method:

1. Send transaction
2. Read logs immediately

New method:

3. Broadcast transaction
4. Wait for block inclusion
5. Query transaction by hash
6. Read data from events

Impact Summary

1. Most applications will continue to work normally
2. Only broadcast time log dependent apps need updates
3. Terra Classic now aligns with the latest Cosmos SDK behavior
4. Future upgrades become easier and safer

Final Recommendation

1. Use events as the primary source of transaction data
2. Rely on query based transaction results
3. Maintain compatibility with Cosmos SDK v0.53
4. Prepare for future ecosystem updates