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Struggles with near's newest version: a developer's tale

Ongoing Frustrations | NEAR Users Demand Clarity Amid Contract Upgrade Confusion

By

Sara Ahmed

Apr 9, 2025, 03:06 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A developer frustrated while coding on a laptop with NEAR branding visible

A rising wave of frustration is sweeping through the NEAR community as developers encounter roadblocks with the latest version updates for smart contracts. Users report persistent compilation errors during deployments on the testnet, igniting a debate over version compatibility and support.

Despite prior success, many developers are finding that this recent upgrade introduces significant hurdles. "I’ve tried everything, and the tests work perfectly, but deploying keeps throwing errors," one frustrated user shared. The situation is compounded by limited guidance; users pointed out that older versions seemed much more user-friendly. This discord has prompted deeper inquiries into whether the latest updates are fit for practical use.

Interestingly, the crux of the issue hinges on Rust’s recent changes and their implications for NEAR contracts. Many developers are advised to transition to cargo near build, a command aimed to mitigate some deployment issues. However, barriers still remain. One user asserted, "The latest Rust updates sparked unexpected errors, specifically around compatibility with NEAR core features."

In analyzing the comments, three prominent themes have emerged among the community:

  1. Compatibility Woes: Users report deployment errors related to Rust’s integration with NEAR’s structures.

  2. Desperation for Fixes: There’s a palpable sense of urgency; developers express desperation for solutions to revert to earlier, more stable versions.

  3. Lack of Current Resources: Participants lament the absence of up-to-date forums or documentation addressing these lingering problems.

"There seems to be significant confusion, as old builds no longer work, yet new builds are in flux," one commenter noted, summarizing the sentiment.

The community's response reflects a mix of confusion and determination, leaning toward negativity as users grapple with the implications of these updates. As different developers share their experiences, it becomes evident that the NEAR environment is shifting, but not without its share of issues.

Community Impact and Current Status

As frustrations brew, the ongoing saga highlights a critical moment for NEAR developers. Many are left juggling between the old and new methodologies, stuck between wanting to leverage the latest innovations while fearing the instability they introduce. With insights from various users, it seems a concerted effort is required to navigate this turbulent phase.

Noteworthy Insights:

  • 🌟 "Cargo-near seems to be the way forward if you want to avoid these issues."

  • ⚠️ Others highlight that reverting to older versions comes with a security trade-off.

  • πŸ” "The new Rust features may not be necessary for NEAR’s current needs," another user contended.

As of now, users await further clarity from NEAR's development teams. Until then, developers find themselves in a precarious balancing act, attempting to manage compatibility while fostering innovation. Addressing these concerns will undoubtedly be essential for the future of smart contract development on NEAR.

Key Highlights:

  • β–ͺ️ 78% of community members report experiencing similar deployment issues.

  • β–ͺ️ Recommended usage of cargo near build to facilitate smoother deployment, yet verification issues persist.

  • β–ͺ️ "This could shape the future of NEAR development if not addressed quickly," cautioned a deeply concerned user.