Bitcoin Core v31.1 Released

This new version is accessible for download and includes significant updates in performance improvements, updated translations, and various bug fixes. Users are encouraged to report any bugs using the GitHub issue tracker provided.

For users upgrading from an older version of Bitcoin Core, the process involves shutting down the current version completely before initiating the installation of the new release. This may include running an installer on Windows or copying files over existing applications on macOS and Linux. Also, it is possible to upgrade from a version that has reached its end of life (EOL), although this might require additional time if the data directory needs to be migrated. Compatibility with old wallet versions is maintained to ensure a smooth transition.

The software continues to support and get tested on major operating systems such as Linux Kernel 3.17 or newer, macOS 14, and Windows 10 (version 1903). While it can operate on most Unix-like systems, these environments receive less frequent testing, and usage on unsupported systems is not recommended due to potential risks and lack of optimizations.

Significant changes in this release address multiple aspects of the system's operations. Notably, an issue in the chainstate database that caused excessive disk reads and writes has been resolved. Enhancements have also been made to privacy features, such as fixing an IP address leak that occurred under certain conditions when using the -privatebroadcast feature. Various subsystems like validation, wallet management, P2P networking protocols, and Leveldb have seen improvements. For instance, new adjustments ensure better handling of transaction data, compacting of chainstate, and operational efficiency in network connections and wallet migrations.

Further technical adjustments include fixes in test environments, building processes, and documentation updates. The continuous integration (CI) process has also been refined with changes like restoring sockets in specific builds, utilizing GitHub cache across all runners, and transitioning to warpbuild for enhanced efficiency.

This release owes its development to the contributions of numerous individuals and the broader community engaging in translation and support tasks. Their collective efforts continue to strengthen the resilience and capability of Bitcoin Core, ensuring it remains a robust platform for managing cryptocurrency transactions.