Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Co-Founder Buterin Proposes Minimalist Approach for Layer-2 Success

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a minimalist approach as the key to the success of layer-2 (L2) blockchain networks. Buterin's suggestion comes as layer-1 networks face increasing pressure to maintain their relevance in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

Buterin's proposal emphasizes the importance of leveraging the strengths of the Ethereum network, including its security, data availability, and censorship resistance. He suggests that L2 networks should focus on their core functions as sequencers and provers, rather than attempting to rebuild everything from scratch.

By doing so, L2 networks can achieve the "trust minimization and efficiency" that enterprise blockchain builders sought in the 2010s but failed to deliver. Buterin believes that this approach is now possible with Ethereum L2s, and he points to successful examples where the features of the L1 network have protected users' rights when something goes wrong on the L2.

Buterin's remarks follow a conversation sparked by Jason Chaskin, who leads app relations and research at the Ethereum Foundation. Chaskin suggested that most layer-1 networks will eventually become Ethereum layer-2s, citing Celo’s recent transition as a blueprint. Celo’s move allowed the network to cut inflation, streamline its code, speed up block times, and integrate itself into Ethereum, which Chaskin noted has "the largest dev community in crypto."

Buterin's proposal highlights a shift in approach for blockchain networks. As Ethereum continues to strengthen its network, the most strategic move for other networks might be to stop competing with Ethereum and start building on it. This minimalist approach could pave the way for more efficient and secure L2 networks, leveraging the robust infrastructure of Ethereum.

Buterin's comments come after the Ethereum Foundation announced a plan to integrate a zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) into the network within one year. This integration aims to replace traditional block execution with zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs), allowing validators to check ZK-proofs instead of re-running transaction blocks to verify them. This development further underscores Ethereum's commitment to enhancing its network's efficiency and security, which could benefit L2 networks that choose to build on it.

In summary, Buterin's proposal for a minimalist approach to L2 blockchain success emphasizes the importance of leveraging Ethereum's strengths. By focusing on their core functions as sequencers and provers, L2 networks can achieve greater efficiency and security. This shift in approach could lead to a more integrated and robust blockchain ecosystem, with Ethereum at its core.

Analysis: Buterin's proposal reflects a strategic shift in the blockchain industry, where networks are increasingly recognizing the benefits of building on established platforms rather than competing with them. This minimalist approach could lead to more efficient and secure L2 networks, ultimately benefiting the entire blockchain ecosystem.