Key Takeaways:
- Vitalik Buterin introduces Ethereum’s “Purge” phase, targeting protocol simplification and node resource load reduction
- Purge significantly cuts storage needs for node operators
Vitalik Buterin Unveils Ethereum’s Ambitious Plans for Streamlining and Strengthening Blockchain Infrastructure
The co-founder of Ethereum, recently outlined the next steps in enhancing the Ether blockchain, focusing on reducing resource load and simplifying the protocol. The roadmap, shared by Buterin, aims to streamline the network structure and alleviate burdens on nodes.
At the forefront of this initiative is the implementation of EIP-6780, introduced during the Dencun hard fork, which optimizes the SELFDESTRUCT opcode to enhance security and protocol implementation simplicity.
One significant change post-EIP-6780 is the introduction of a maximum number of storage slots editable in a single block, enhancing network efficiency.
Buterin expressed optimism about future EIPs eliminating the SELFDESTRUCT function to further bolster security and efficiency.
Dubbed “The Purge,” this initiative also involves extensive cleanup within the Geth Ethereum client, aimed at removing redundant code post the transition from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS).
Recent Ethereum Improvement Proposals have contributed to improving how empty accounts are managed, enhancing overall code efficiency.
The Purge will introduce history expiration via EIP-4444, limiting historical data storage and allowing nodes to prune blocks over a year old, thus decluttering Ethereum’s infrastructure.
EIP-4444, introduced as part of “The Purge,” enables nodes to prune blocks older than a year, thereby lowering data demands for fully synchronized nodes. Buterin foresees this measure boosting node decentralization by dispersing historical data across the network.
Furthermore, recent optimizations in Geth’s code eliminate pre-Merge (PoW) support, simplifying operations. Following the Dencun hard fork, reducing the storage window to 18 days will further decrease node data bandwidth.
As part of the broader mission to enhance Ethereum’s efficiency and resilience, Buterin outlined further areas for refinement, including revaluating precompiles and optimizing historical data storage.
The Purge also includes plans to evaluate and optimize precompile Ethereum contracts and introduce a new data structure called SimpleSerialize (SSZ) to simplify data usage and development processes.
Buterin emphasized the need to remove precompile Ethereum contracts incompatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to streamline operations.
These efforts underscore Ethereum’s commitment to ongoing innovation and improvement, aiming to reduce barriers for node operators and developers while fortifying the network’s foundation for future growth and scalability.
