Ethereum developers have agreed to split the upcoming Pectra upgrade into two phases, addressing concerns about its increased complexity. The decision, made on September 19, 2024, aims to reduce risk and ensure a smoother implementation of Ethereum’s largest hard fork to date.
The first phase, targeted for early 2025, will include eight Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), with a focus on wallet functionality improvements. Among these improvements is EIP-7702, which Vitalik Buterin drafted in just 22 minutes.
Phase 2 remains flexible, incorporating updates to the Ethereum Virtual Machine and PeerDAS to improve data availability on layer 2 blockchains. This incremental approach allows developers to adapt to evolving needs while maintaining manageable scale for each upgrade.
The Ethereum blockchain, the dominant smart contract platform and leading cryptocurrency, has been the focus of significant developments and upgrades in recent years. As the blockchain technology continues to evolve, Ethereum developers have been grappling with the challenge of prioritizing and implementing the many improvement proposals, known as Ethereum EIPs. In a move to overcome this complexity and align with the latest crypto trends, the Ethereum community has decided to split the highly anticipated “Pectra” upgrade into two separate branches.
Ethereum Upgrade Landscape: Balancing Priorities
Ethereum has undergone several major upgrades in the past, the most recent being just six months ago. However, the sheer volume of developer priorities and proposed improvements to the Ethereum roadmap has created a situation where the entire Pectra upgrade package has become unmanageable. Ethereum developers have realized the need to approach these upgrades in a more conservative and strategic manner to minimize risk and ensure smooth implementation, which is critical to the future of Ethereum development.
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The increasing complexity of Ethereum upgrades
The “Pectra” update, also known as Pectra 1, was originally planned to be Ethereum’s largest hard fork yet, featuring a comprehensive set of new features and improvements. However, as development progressed, some Ethereum developers expressed concerns about the increased complexity and potential risks associated with implementing such a large software upgrade all at once.
Desire to take a more gradual approach
Recognizing the challenges posed by the size and scope of the Pectra upgrade, Ethereum developers have begun exploring the possibility of splitting the upgrade into two separate forks, with the second phase referred to as Pectra 2. This approach is in line with the broader industry trend of favoring smaller, more manageable upgrades over large-scale, high-risk overhauls, which is essential to Ethereum’s scalability and long-term success.
Pectra Upgrade Split Plan: Reduce Risk and Accelerate Deployment
During a recent call with Ethereum developers, where consensus was reached, developers agreed to split the “Pectra” upgrade into two separate phases. This strategic move aims to address concerns raised about the complexity and potential risks associated with a single, homogeneous upgrade, and is a significant development in the Ethereum news cycle.
Phase 1: Portfolio Improvements and Increased Efficiency
The first phase of the Pectra upgrade is set to include Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) that focus on improving wallet functionality and overall system efficiency. This includes: EIP-7702a proposal written by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in just 22 minutes, aims to improve the performance of smart contract wallets and externally owned accounts.
Phase 2: Upgrading the Ethereum Virtual Machine
The second phase of the Pectra upgrade, known as devnet 3, will focus on upgrades to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), known as the EOF (EVM Object Format) project. This component is responsible for executing smart contracts on the Ethereum network, and the proposed changes, including EIP 7251 and EIP 6110, aim to further improve and enhance its capabilities, leading to better productivity growth.
Possible timelines and considerations
If Ethereum developers reach a consensus on the split upgrade during the upcoming All Core Developers Consensus Call, the first phase of the “Pectra” upgrade could launch as early as February 2025, bringing Ethereum 2025 one step closer. However, this timeline is still subject to further discussion and refinement within the Ethereum community and the Ethereum Foundation.
Balancing priorities and mitigating risks
While the decision to split the Pectra upgrade has been generally well received, some Ethereum researchers have highlighted potential tradeoffs. For example, delaying the implementation of the PeerDAS proposal (EIP-7594), which aims to improve data availability sampling on Ethereum, could temporarily increase fees on layer 2 blockchains. This could impact the price of ETH in the near term.
However, Ethereum developers remain committed to forking, recognizing that smaller, more manageable upgrades often carry less risk and enable faster deployment. As EF researcher Alex Stokes points out, “In general, smaller forks are less risky.”
Dealing with the complexities of blockchain upgrades
The Ethereum ecosystem, like many other smart contract blockchains, faces the ongoing challenge of managing the complexities inherent in software upgrades. The Pectra upgrade split reflects the Ethereum community’s proactive approach to addressing these challenges and prioritizing the long-term stability and success of the network.
Maintaining momentum and adaptability
As the Ethereum network continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and respond to emerging needs will be critical. The decision to split the Bectra upgrade demonstrates the willingness of Ethereum developers to make pragmatic choices that prioritize the long-term health of the network and the seamless integration of new features and improvements, such as those related to verifier deposits and wallet optimization.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful Approach to the Future of Ethereum
The Ethereum developers’ plan to split the Pectra upgrade into two distinct phases represents a thoughtful and strategic response to the increasing complexity of the network’s development roadmap. By prioritizing risk mitigation and rapid deployment, this decision underscores the Ethereum community’s commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.
As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to mature, the ability to balance ambitious upgrades with prudent execution will be critical to maintaining the network’s position as a leading platform for decentralized applications and smart contracts. The Pectra upgrade split is a testament to the Ethereum community’s ability to foresee and adapt, paving the way for a more resilient and future-ready Ethereum blockchain.
Pectra Upgrade FAQ
What is the likely timeline for a split Pectra upgrade?
The first phase could launch in February 2025, taking into account further discussions and improvements within the Ethereum community.
What are the two stages of the Pectra split upgrade?
The first phase focuses on wallet improvements and efficiency gains, while the second phase focuses on upgrading the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Why is Ethereum splitting the Pectra upgrade into two phases?
To reduce complexity and risk, align with industry trends that favor smaller upgrades, and ensure smoother implementation.
What is the Pectra upgrade plan on Ethereum?
The plan is to split the Pectra upgrade into two separate branches to address the complexity and risks associated with a single, large-scale upgrade.