EVM Node: Version 0.19

This release contains a number of quality of life improvements, notably related to snapshots. The integration between the Octez EVM node and our [snapshots service] is deepened, and it is now possible to initialize a new data directory for arbitrary history mode using run observer --network NETWORK --history HISTORY --init-from-snapshot. To a large extend, this release fully concludes the stabilization of the new block storage feature initiated in version 0.16.

This release will not apply any migration to the node’s store (version 19), meaning it is possible to downgrade to the previous version.

Manually testing the MR

Don’t hesitate to try out the new features listed in the changelog. :)

Checklist

• Document the interface of any function added or modified (see the coding guidelines)
• Document any change to the user interface, including configuration parameters (see node configuration)
• Provide automatic testing (see the testing guide).
• For new features and bug fixes, add an item in the appropriate changelog (docs/protocols/alpha.rst for the protocol and the environment, CHANGES.rst at the root of the repository for everything else).
• Select suitable reviewers using the Reviewers field below.
• Select as Assignee the next person who should take action on that MR