Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined the next steps for protocol simplification and reducing node resource load, known as the Purge.
The Purge represents a crucial phase in Ethereum’s evolution, aiming to remove outdated and excess network history while simplifying the network architecture.
Beyond trimming historical data storage, the Purge significantly alleviates hard disk requirements for node operators and addresses technical debt within the Ethereum protocol.
During the Dencun hard fork, the introduction of Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP)-6780 eliminated most of the “SELFDESTRUCT” code functions, streamlining the protocol and enhancing security.
Buterin envisions further protocol refinement through the implementation of new EIPs, such as the complete removal of the SELFDESTRUCT code in upcoming updates.
The Purge will introduce history expiration via EIP-4444, limiting the storage of historical data. Nodes will have the option to prune blocks older than a year, reducing the need for extensive historical data storage.
EIP-4444’s implementation can significantly enhance Ethereum’s node decentralization by distributing historical data across the network.
Geth, Ethereum’s client, has streamlined its codebase by dropping support for pre-Merge (PoW) networks. Additionally, post-Dencun updates will reduce node data bandwidth with an 18-day storage window for blobs.
Buterin highlighted the need to purge precompile Ethereum contracts, which have become less relevant over time and pose challenges for new EVM implementations.
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