How Ethereum Aims to Simplify Its Blockchain for Users

Ethereum is grappling with the challenge of increasing data size, which complicates its code and storage requirements for users.

Vitalik Buterin highlights that while it’s often easier to add features than to remove them, developers must address these growing complexities to maintain the blockchain’s integrity. To tackle this, he has proposed The Purge, a comprehensive plan aimed at simplifying Ethereum and reducing its data load.

One key aspect involves allowing nodes to store only essential historical data, rather than requiring every node to maintain the entire history. This can be achieved by enabling a single source to provide necessary information through a Merkle proof, similar to the way torrent networks function.

Additionally, Ethereum has started implementing expiry dates for certain types of data, with the aim of further limiting historical storage to one year.

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Moreover, as account balances and contract data continue to grow, Buterin suggests automating the expiry of state objects to alleviate storage demands. He proposes two strategies: one that retains only recently accessed data and another that maintains multiple state trees, allowing nodes to keep only the latest versions.

Finally, Buterin emphasizes the importance of simplifying the protocol to prevent an escalation of complexity over time. This could involve removing outdated features and refining gas mechanics, ensuring Ethereum remains efficient as it continues to evolve.

Kosta Gushterov