Vitalik Proposes Core Ethereum Overhaul
Vitalik Buterin is pushing for a fundamental Ethereum overhaul, targeting its core bottlenecks. He's proposed replacing the current state structure with a binary state tree and the VM with a RISC V-based architecture. The goal is to slash ZK-proof costs and streamline the execution layer, a move seen as prioritizing deep architectural fixes over more L2s.
This proposal directly confronts Ethereum's "state bloat," a growing problem where the ever-expanding blockchain size makes it more expensive and difficult for ordinary users to run a full node, threatening the network's decentralization. The state tree and virtual machine are responsible for over 80% of the network's technical constraints and proving costs. The shift to a binary state tree, outlined in EIP-7864, would replace the current hexadecimal Merkle Patricia tree. This change is expected to make Merkle branches four times shorter, slashing data bandwidth for light clients. For DeFi applications, the redesign could save over 10,000 gas per transaction by grouping related storage slots into "pages." This move represents an evolution from earlier plans to implement Verkle trees. Interest in binary trees was revived in mid-2024 partly due to concerns about the potential for quantum computers to break current cryptography, alongside rapid improvements in the efficiency of SNARK/STARK proving systems. The long-term vision involves replacing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with an architecture based on RISC-V, an open-source instruction set already used by most ZK provers. This would improve raw execution efficiency, making many specialized "precompiles" unnecessary, and is better suited for generating and verifying ZK-proofs. A transition to a new virtual machine would be gradual to ensure stability. The proposed three-stage plan would first use RISC-V for precompiled contracts, then allow users to deploy contracts directly on it, and finally deprecate the old EVM, which would become a smart contract on the new VM to maintain backward compatibility. This focus on the core protocol marks a strategic recalibration. After major upgrades like Dencun, which drastically lowered Layer-2 fees and spurred their adoption, this proposal shifts attention back to strengthening the base layer to ensure it remains a robust settlement layer for the entire ecosystem.
