During February 2026, Nick Dudfield focused on backend reliability for the XRPLF/rippled repository, addressing a nuanced synchronization issue in the ManifestCache component. By incrementing the sequence number when a new manifest was accepted, he ensured TMManifests messages exchanged between peers were processed correctly, reducing the risk of desynchronization across networks with diverse topologies and startup sequences. This C++-based solution improved network stability and minimized startup and synchronization errors. Nick’s work demonstrated a deep understanding of distributed systems and cache invalidation logic, contributing a robust, traceable fix that advanced the repository’s performance and reliability goals for the month.