Cover image via U.Today

The next significant phase in the evolution of the Ethereum network has been unveiled by Vitalik Buterin. This phase is referred to as "The Purge." Buterin shared insights into the ongoing efforts to simplify the Ethereum protocol and enhance security measures in a recent communication.

At the core of this evolution is EIP-6780, an essential improvement introduced in the Dencun hard fork. This enhancement aims to streamline the protocol by reducing the functionality of the SELFDESTRUCT opcode to enhance implementation efficiency and bolster security measures.

The Purge initiative encompasses decluttering Ethereum's infrastructure, reducing resource loads, and strengthening security protocols. By eliminating redundancies and reducing resource loads, Ethereum's efficiency and resilience are bolstered.

Key transformations under The Purge have led to a substantial reduction in code lines for Ethereum clients and the elimination of support for pre-merge (PoW) networks. Additionally, optimization of Ethereum's storage mechanism has significantly reduced storage requirements for node operators.

However, Buterin is not finished. He outlines potential areas for further refinement, including reevaluating precompiles and optimizing historical data storage to enhance ETH's functionality while reducing barriers to entry for node operators and developers.

Buterin also hints at the transition to SimpleSerialize (SSZ), a more efficient block structure that promises a simpler and cleaner future for Ethereum's data management.

The overarching goal of "The Purge" is to streamline Ethereum's architecture, reduce technical complexities, and enhance scalability and decentralization. By prioritizing protocol simplification and security enhancements, Ethereum aims to solidify its position as a leading blockchain platform supporting various decentralized applications and use cases.

Source: Vitalik Buterin