The base was activated only 200MS blocks - 10x faster block generation.
One of Ethereum's largest Layer 2 networks has completed a major infrastructure upgrade.
BASE DENIM is now live online.
The upgrade, which went live on November 5th, replaces Base's previous block production system with two-second native blocks produced every 200 MILLISECONDS.
That is five complete blocks every second.
And unlike the previous Flashblocks system, these are actual canonical blocks and not a preview of transactions that may change later.
Before Denim, Base generated an entire block every two seconds, while Flashblocks provided intermediate updates to applications.
Now the network is generating entire blocks at the same rapid rate.
Why does it matter?
DeFi applications need fast and reliable updates to run efficiently.
Trading platforms, lending markets, distributors and automated market makers can now respond to new blockchain activity recorded much more frequently.
The upgrade also introduces BASETIME, which allows smart contracts to access time measurements with MILLISECOND PRECISION.
It can improve applications that include auctions, interest calculations, flow payments, and time-sensitive trading.
But there is another important development.
Denim improves the B20 infrastructure, Base token for regulated financial assets, and introduces stronger transfer verification and re-usable compatibility rules.
These changes are particularly relevant for token securities and institutional financial applications.
IMPORTANT: 200MS BLOCKS DOES NOT MEAN FINAL 200MS ETHEREUM.
Transactions are still subject to the base settlement process and Ethereum's final guarantees.
There are also changes for developers.
The old Flashblocks streams have been deprecated, and apps using them must switch to standard block subscriptions.
Base has effectively increased its canonical block generation frequency by 10x.
Ethereum Layer 2 competition is no longer just about cheaper transactions.