Vitalik Buterin Proposes Comprehensive Improvements to Make Ethereum as Simple as Bitcoin in 5 Years

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum (ETH), has proposed reducing the protocol complexity of Ethereum and simplifying the overall structure of the consensus and execution layers.

On the 3rd (local time), Buterin stated on his blog, "For Ethereum to become the 'ledger of civilization' encompassing global finance, authentication, and governance, 'protocol simplicity' must be key alongside scalability." He suggested that through these structural improvements, Ethereum could develop into a protocol as simple as Bitcoin within the next five years.

He emphasized, "The consensus layer should adopt a new structure that can be implemented with around 200 lines of code," adding, "A STARK-based zero-knowledge proof system can make anyone a verifier and improve the entire network's simplicity."

Regarding the execution layer, he mentioned the need to introduce a new virtual machine (VM) that completely replaces the existing Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). He explained, "A VM equipped with RISC-V or zero-knowledge proof verification functions, as a candidate for the alternative virtual machine, can drastically reduce complexity and improve performance by 100 times."

Buterin stated, "Ethereum's historical complexity is the result of pursuing excessive technology without practical benefits," and added, "Now is the time to reduce complexity across consensus, execution, and smart contracts." He continued, "We should aim for an Ethereum core with simple and clear specifications like Bitcoin, and an approach that sets a limit on the number of code lines is necessary."

Meanwhile, EVM refers to the virtual machine that processes Ethereum transactions.