Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is advocating for a streamlined approach to the blockchain's development, calling for the implementation of a "garbage collection" mechanism to combat protocol bloat and ensure the long-term sustainability of the network. In a recent post, Buterin highlighted the critical importance of protocol simplicity for maintaining trustlessness, facilitating independent exit options, and upholding user sovereignty within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Buterin argues that even with a highly decentralized network boasting hundreds of thousands of nodes and robust Byzantine fault tolerance, a complex and bloated protocol riddled with excessive lines of code and intricate cryptographic techniques ultimately undermines these core principles. Such complexity forces users to rely on a select group of experts, hindering their ability to fully understand and control the protocol, and increasing security risks due to the intricate interactions between various components.
His concern stems from the observation that Ethereum's development may be prioritizing the addition of new features to address immediate needs, potentially at the expense of long-term stability and autonomy. The current development approach often favors backward compatibility, leading to a continuous accumulation of new functions without the removal of outdated or redundant ones, inevitably resulting in protocol bloat.
To address this, Buterin proposes the incorporation of clear mechanisms for "simplification" and "garbage collection" into Ethereum's development process. He outlines three key simplification criteria:
- Reducing the number of lines of code: Aiming for a codebase that is concise and easily comprehensible, ideally fitting within a few pages.
- Avoiding over-reliance on complex technical components: Minimizing dependence on intricate cryptographic solutions, such as single hash functions for security.
- Adding more core attributes to reduce complexity.
Buterin emphasizes that simplifying the protocol is crucial for ensuring that users retain control and that the system remains secure. Overly complex code structures increase the risk of failures due to the intricate interactions between different parts. By reducing unnecessary complexity and redundant features, Ethereum can more effectively address future challenges and achieve lasting decentralization. He hopes for a slower update pace in Ethereum's next development phase to allow for deeper examination and improvement.
Buterin's call for a "garbage collection" function highlights a growing awareness within the Ethereum community of the need to prioritize long-term sustainability and maintainability. By actively managing the protocol's complexity, Ethereum can ensure its continued relevance and resilience in the face of evolving technological landscapes.
