Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has proposed a solution called The Purge to address the growing complexity and storage requirements of the blockchain network. He believes that as Ethereum grows in size over time, it becomes more challenging to manage its code and data storage effectively.
One of the main issues facing Ethereum and other blockchains is the need to store all historical data, leading to increased storage requirements for clients. This results in longer sync times and higher client loads. Buterin points out that adding new features is easier than removing old ones, which contributes to the overall complexity of the network.
To combat this trend, Buterin has introduced The Purge, a three-part plan aimed at simplifying Ethereum and reducing its data load. The first part focuses on history expiry, suggesting that instead of storing all historical data on every node, each node could store a small percentage of the data. This approach is similar to how torrent networks operate, where participants only store and distribute a portion of the data.
Additionally, Buterin proposes state expiry as part of The Purge, which involves automatically expiring state objects over time to prevent storage bloat. He suggests two potential solutions for state expiry: partial state expiry and address-period-based state expiry. These methods aim to streamline the storage of state objects and reduce the overall storage requirements for clients.
In addition to addressing storage concerns, Buterin emphasizes the importance of simplifying Ethereum’s features to prevent increasing complexity. He suggests removing outdated features, such as the SELFDESTRUCT opcode, and making improvements to gas mechanics and static analytics. By cleaning up unnecessary features and streamlining the network’s operations, Ethereum can maintain its efficiency and sustainability in the long run.
Overall, The Purge proposed by Vitalik Buterin offers a comprehensive strategy for reducing Ethereum’s complexity and storage requirements. By implementing these solutions, Ethereum can ensure its continued growth and development while maintaining its usability and efficiency for users and developers alike.
