Highlights of Ethereum’s All Core Devs Meeting (ACDE) #208

Ethereum’s development community is buzzing with anticipation as the Pectra hard fork gears up for a mainnet deployment on April 30th, following a successful activation on the Hoodi testnet. This latest All Core Devs Execution (ACDE) Call #208 was packed with updates, showcasing Ethereum’s relentless drive toward improvement and stability.

• Pectra hard fork activated on Hoodi testnet
• Mainnet deployment planned for April 30th
• New formal upgrade process framework introduced
• Debate on EVM Object Format (EOF) for Fusaka fork
• Cell proofs computation shift discussed
• History expiry feature tested on Sepolia
• Launch of Protocol Research Call series

The Pectra hard fork, akin to a major software update for your smartphone, aims to enhance Ethereum’s functionality and performance. Successfully activated on the Hoodi testnet, it faced only minor non-critical issues, a testament to the meticulous preparation by Ethereum’s developers. As Pooja Ranjan, a key figure in Ethereum’s development, put it, “More accessibility. More education. More power to Ethereum! ⚡️ Pectra mainnet upgrade may land on April 30 (slot 11599872)!” The community’s excitement is palpable, yet tempered by a pragmatic approach to ensure a smooth transition.

More accessibility. More education. More power to Ethereum! ⚡️ Pectra mainnet upgrade may land on April 30 (slot 11599872)! – Pooja Ranjan

The meeting introduced a new formal upgrade process framework, designed to streamline future updates. This framework, likened to a chess grandmaster planning several moves ahead, includes incident response plans and extended testing timelines. It’s a clear sign that Ethereum’s developers are prioritizing stability over speed, ensuring that the network remains robust and secure.

The EVM Object Format (EOF), a new way to organize and run smart contracts on Ethereum, was a hot topic. Think of EOF as a better filing system for your digital contracts, making them more efficient and easier to update. The debate centered around implementing a minimal version (Option A + PAY Opcode) for the upcoming Fusaka fork. Geth developer Felix Lange expressed concern about the complexity of EOF, particularly the removal of gas introspection, which is crucial for managing costs and preventing contract failures.

The complexity of EOF, particularly the removal of gas introspection, is a concern that needs careful consideration. – Felix Lange

Another significant discussion revolved around cell proofs computation. Imagine these as the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Ethereum’s data organized. The proposal to shift this from the consensus layer to the execution layer, as suggested by Proto Lambda, could boost performance. This move aims to streamline client development and enhance Ethereum’s overall efficiency, a crucial step in maintaining the network’s speed and scalability.

History expiry, currently being tested on the Sepolia testnet, is designed to reduce the storage burden on nodes. This feature can be compared to decluttering your hard drive, making it easier for new nodes to join the network and helping maintain decentralization. The Portal Network, which serves historical data, becomes increasingly important as nodes implement history expiry, ensuring that the past remains accessible even as the network prunes old data.

The launch of the Protocol Research Call series is a testament to Ethereum’s commitment to long-term research and innovation. These calls will provide a platform for deeper, more exploratory discussions, fostering the kind of forward-thinking that keeps Ethereum at the cutting edge of blockchain technology.

As Ethereum continues to evolve, the ACDE meetings remain a crucial touchpoint for the community. With 140 devs in the room and a 90-minute call packed with updates, as Pooja Ranjan noted, “ACDE #208 ⏱️ 90-minute call. 👨‍💻 140 devs in the room. 🚀 One mission: ship the next Ethereum upgrade,” it’s clear that the mission to improve Ethereum is a collective effort, driven by a community that’s both optimistic and pragmatic.

ACDE #208 ⏱️ 90-minute call. 👨‍💻 140 devs in the room. 🚀 One mission: ship the next Ethereum upgrade. – Pooja Ranjan

While Ethereum’s development is exciting, it’s important to keep a balanced perspective. The challenges of implementing complex upgrades like Pectra and Fusaka are real, and the community’s cautious approach to testing and deployment is a testament to their commitment to getting it right. As we champion decentralization and the disruption of the status quo, we must also acknowledge the hard work and diligence required to make these ideals a reality.

Key Takeaways and Questions

• What is the Pectra hard fork?

  The Pectra hard fork is a significant update to the Ethereum network that was recently activated on the Hoodi testnet. It aims to improve the network’s functionality and performance.

• When is the Pectra mainnet deployment planned?

  The Pectra mainnet deployment is tentatively planned for April 30th, provided all testing and stakeholder confirmations are completed successfully.

• What is the EVM Object Format (EOF)?

  The EVM Object Format (EOF) is a proposed change to the structure of smart contracts in the Ethereum Virtual Machine, aimed at improving code structure, validation, and future extensibility.

• What is the purpose of the new Protocol Research Call series?

  The new Protocol Research Call series is designed to provide a platform for deeper and more exploratory discussions on Ethereum’s long-term development and experimental proposals.

• Why is history expiry important for Ethereum nodes?

  History expiry is important as it aims to reduce the storage burden on Ethereum nodes by pruning old chain history, making it easier for nodes to operate and maintain the network.

• What are cell proofs, and why is their computation significant?

  Cell proofs are involved in handling blob data in Ethereum. Their computation is significant because shifting it from the consensus layer to the execution layer could improve performance and streamline client development.

• How does the Portal Network relate to history expiry?

  The Portal Network serves historical data in a decentralized and efficient way, becoming increasingly important as nodes implement history expiry and no longer store full historical data.

As Ethereum continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain technology, the community’s dedication to thorough testing and careful planning is a beacon of hope for the future of decentralized systems. While we celebrate the progress, let’s not forget the challenges that lie ahead, and the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective as we navigate this exciting journey.