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Ethereum’s Plan to Optimize Block Size
Ethereum (ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum Foundation are considering various strategies to reduce Ethereum’s maximum block size in line with the “rollup-centric roadmap.” The goal is to improve scalability and efficiency by emphasizing the use of rollups.
Challenges with Block Space Utilization
In a recent blog post, Buterin and Ethereum Foundation researcher Toni Wahrstätter emphasized the need to optimize the utilization of block space. They noted that over the past year, the effective block size has doubled, possibly due to the increasing use of Ethereum for data availability by rollups and trends like Inscriptions.
Proposed Solutions
The blog post discussed five different solutions of varying complexity with the primary objective of increasing block gas limits and discouraging the use of calldata to reduce the maximum block size and create room for more data blobs in the future. These solutions include:
- Increasing the cost of calldata from 16 to 42 gas
- Simultaneously decreasing the cost of other opcodes while increasing the cost of calldata
- Capping the amount of calldata per block
- Creating a separate calldata fee market, similar to data blobs, that adjusts the price for calldata usage based on demand
- Offering an “EVM loyalty bonus” to compensate applications heavily reliant on calldata
Challenges and Considerations
While these solutions aim to optimize block size and gas costs, they also raise concerns about potential negative impacts on applications heavily reliant on calldata for on-chain proofs. Thus, a balanced solution is necessary, which may involve adjusting the costs of certain operations or exploring models that incentivize calldata usage within the EVM.
It should be noted that Buterin has previously proposed calldata limits per block to lower gas costs in 2021 and suggested raising the Ethereum gas limit to enhance network throughput.
Ian is a cryptocurrency enthusiast blending humor with professionalism. With an engineering background and a storyteller's heart, he simplifies the blockchain world with sharp analysis and a touch of wit. At Cryptowire, he brings his unique perspective to make digital financial innovation accessible to all.
