Ethereum Co-Founder Proposes 5-Year Plan To Simplify L1 Protocol

Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has recently proposed a significant initiative to simplify the Ethereum Layer 1 (L1) protocol. The goal is to achieve a level of protocol simplicity similar to that of Bitcoin within the next five years. This proposal marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Ethereum, as it aims to streamline the network's complexity while maintaining its robust functionality.

The simplification of Ethereum L1 is a strategic move that could enhance the network's efficiency and security. By reducing the protocol's complexity, Ethereum could become more accessible and easier to maintain, potentially attracting a broader range of developers and users. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of creating a more scalable and user-friendly blockchain ecosystem.

Buterin's proposal outlines several key areas for simplification. One of the primary focuses is on the consensus layer, which aims to leverage a decade of experience in consensus theory, ZK-SNARK development, and proof-of-stake economics to create a more optimal and simpler consensus layer for Ethereum. This new consensus layer, formerly known as the "Beam Chain," is designed to be much simpler than the existing beacon chain, thereby enhancing the network's overall efficiency and security.

Another critical area of simplification is the execution layer. The complexity of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) has been increasing, with much of this complexity being deemed unnecessary. Buterin suggests replacing the EVM with a more efficient virtual machine, such as RISC-V, which can run Ethereum zk provers. This change aims to reduce the complexity of the execution layer, making it more streamlined and easier to maintain.

Buterin also proposes setting a "maximum code line count target" for Ethereum's long-term technical specifications. This approach, inspired by the tinygrad project, aims to make the key consensus-related code in Ethereum as close to Bitcoin's simplicity as possible. Code relating to Ethereum's historical rule processing will still be retained but should avoid entering the consensus critical path. This principle of preferring simpler solutions and prioritizing clear verifiability and guarantees in design decisions is central to the overall design philosophy.

The comparison to Bitcoin's protocol simplicity highlights the potential benefits of this approach. Bitcoin's protocol is known for its robustness and security, attributes that have contributed to its enduring popularity. By emulating some of these characteristics, Ethereum could enhance its own security and reliability, making it a more attractive option for a wide range of applications.

The timeline of five years for achieving this level of simplicity suggests a measured and deliberate approach. This period allows for thorough testing, community feedback, and iterative improvements, ensuring that the changes are implemented smoothly and effectively. The Ethereum community, known for its collaborative and innovative spirit, is likely to play a crucial role in this process, contributing ideas and solutions that will shape the future of the network.

In summary, Vitalik Buterin's proposal to simplify Ethereum L1 represents a significant step forward in the network's development. By aiming to achieve a protocol simplicity similar to Bitcoin's within five years, Ethereum is poised to become more efficient, secure, and user-friendly. This initiative reflects the community's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, paving the way for a more robust and scalable blockchain ecosystem.

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