Vitalik Buterin and Ethereum Foundation Consider Strategies to Optimize Ethereum’s Block Size
Ethereum (ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum Foundation are actively exploring ways to reduce Ethereum’s maximum block size in order to optimize the blockchain for the “rollup-centric roadmap” and improve scalability and efficiency.
Vitalik Buterin Proposes 5 Solutions to Optimize Block Size
In a recent blog post, Buterin and Ethereum Foundation researcher Toni Wahrstätter discussed five different solutions to address the issue of block size.
The main objective is to increase block gas limits while discouraging the use of calldata, which would reduce the maximum block size and create space for more data blobs in the future.
One solution suggests increasing the cost of calldata from 16 to 42 gas. However, there are concerns about this approach potentially disincentivizing calldata usage for applications like StarkNet.
Another proposed solution is to increase the cost of calldata while decreasing the cost of other opcodes, striking a balance between incentivizing calldata usage and optimizing gas costs.
Devs Can Cap Amount of Calldata Per Block
The third idea is to cap the amount of calldata per block, as outlined in Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 4488. However, this may also disincentivize calldata usage for applications heavily reliant on it.
Another potential solution is to create a separate calldata fee market, similar to data blobs, where the price adjusts based on demand. However, this introduces complexity in analysis and implementation.
The final suggestion is an “EVM loyalty bonus” that compensates applications relying on calldata, incentivizing its use within the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Buterin and Wahrstätter emphasize the need for a balanced solution that increases the cost of calldata while reducing the cost of certain operations or explores models that incentivize calldata usage within the EVM.
Hot Take: Vitalik Buterin and Ethereum Foundation Explore Strategies to Optimize Blockchain for Rollup-Centric Roadmap
Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum Foundation are actively considering various strategies to optimize Ethereum’s block size. Their goal is to improve scalability and efficiency by reducing the maximum block size and optimizing block gas limits. Buterin proposes five different solutions, including adjusting the cost of calldata, capping the amount of calldata per block, creating a separate calldata fee market, and offering an “EVM loyalty bonus.” These solutions aim to strike a balance between incentivizing calldata usage and optimizing gas costs. However, there are concerns about disincentivizing calldata usage for certain applications. The focus is on finding a balanced solution that addresses these concerns while improving Ethereum’s scalability.