Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, recently announced an initiative called “The Purge” aimed at streamlining the Ethereum protocol by reducing historical data storage requirements. This project seeks to simplify the Ethereum protocol, reduce technical debt, and alleviate the burden on node operators’ hard drives. Additional Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) are expected to support this goal by addressing various technical issues within the protocol.
One of the key changes implemented through EIP-6780 during the Dencun hard fork was the simplification of the Ethereum protocol by reducing the functions of the “SELFDESTRUCT” code and enhancing security measures. This included introducing a maximum number of storage slots that can be edited in a single block, as well as other improvements to enhance network security and efficiency. The ongoing efforts to streamline the Ethereum protocol also involve cleanup initiatives within the Geth Ethereum client and the introduction of new proposals such as EIP-4444, which optimize data storage and improve node participation.
Vitalik Buterin emphasized that The Purge initiative aims to enhance Ethereum’s node decentralization by distributing historical data more effectively across the network. While not all nodes will store complete historical data, solutions like block explorers and decentralized peer-to-peer networks are being explored to ensure accessibility. Additionally, plans are in place to evaluate and optimize precompile Ethereum contracts and introduce a new data structure called SimpleSerialize (SSZ) to simplify data usage and development processes within the Ethereum ecosystem.
However, Buterin also raised concerns about overly complex Layer 2 scaling solutions in blockchain ecosystems. He highlighted the risks associated with critical bugs in Layer 2 networks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between simplicity and functionality in Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks. Buterin warned against the increasing complexity of Layer 2 solutions and the potential risks associated with such complexity, including the permanent loss of user funds in the event of consensus failures.
In response to the challenges posed by complex Layer 2 scaling solutions, Buterin proposed enhancing Layer 1 networks with sophisticated features to reduce the burden on Layer 2 networks, allowing them to remain relatively simple. By prioritizing simplicity and reducing complexity in Layer 2 networks, the risks of critical bugs and security vulnerabilities can be mitigated, safeguarding user funds and improving overall system reliability. Buterin’s comments underscore the importance of thoughtful and balanced development strategies in the blockchain ecosystem to ensure the long-term sustainability and security of decentralized networks like Ethereum.
