Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, has introduced an initiative called Purge to streamline the Ethereum protocol and reduce the workload on network nodes by discarding outdated data and simplifying the system. This step is crucial for Ethereum’s progress as it aims to minimize historical data storage requirements, decrease hard disk space usage for node operation, and simplify the protocol.
The Next Steps for Ethereum
In a recent update, Buterin mentioned the Denunc hard fork, which included changes to the Ethereum protocol such as the nearly complete removal of the SELFDESTRUCT code through EIP-6780. This modification has made the protocol less complex, enhanced security, and paved the way for the eventual elimination of the SELFDESTRUCT functionality. Moreover, EIP-6780 has led to an increase in storage slots with each Ethereum block.
Furthermore, Purge will incorporate EIP-4444, which limits historical data storage and allows nodes to discard blocks older than one year. This strategy implies that most node operations only require recent data, significantly reducing the data burden on fully synchronized nodes.
Insights from Buterin on Ethereum’s Evolution
Buterin has emphasized that EIP-4444 has the potential to improve the decentralization of Ethereum nodes. He believes that by enabling nodes to store smaller historical data portions as the default setting, the network can maintain similar historical data redundancy levels. Additionally, he mentioned Geth’s recent removal of support for pre-Merge networks, clearing out outdated code.
Buterin also mentioned the decreasing importance of precompiled Ethereum contracts, specialized cryptographic functions that the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) cannot directly execute. These contracts are now less in demand and are primarily a source of errors, hindering the development of new EVM implementations.
Points to Take into Account
- Ethereum’s Purge initiative aims to simplify the protocol and reduce node storage requirements.
- EIP-6780 has reduced protocol complexity and increased block storage slots.
- Future changes will enable nodes to prune old data, promoting efficient data management and decentralization.
- Buterin recognizes the need to reassess the role of precompiled contracts due to their declining utility and potential for errors.
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