According to Cointelegraph, Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake has introduced a proposal called “Lean Ethereum” aimed at enhancing the security and simplicity of the Ethereum network. This initiative seeks to make the layer-1 smart contract network quantum-secure while streamlining its technical components, including the consensus, data, and execution layers. A key aspect of Drake's proposal involves the use of zero-knowledge powered virtual machines. This technology allows for data verification on the blockchain without exposing the actual data, thereby quantum-proofing the execution layer and bolstering security. Additionally, Drake suggests implementing data availability sampling to reduce storage demands on the Ethereum blockchain while maintaining block integrity. This technique involves checking small, random sections of a block to verify its accuracy without requiring a full download.
Drake also advocates for the adoption of a RISC-V framework, a simplified set of computer instructions that enhance security by minimizing potential attack surfaces and backdoors. This framework would simplify the consensus layer's technical components, making it more secure. The call for a more straightforward Ethereum tech stack is echoed by developers who aim to make the blockchain more user-friendly and less complex, addressing ongoing criticisms regarding its technical intricacies.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has expressed similar concerns, emphasizing the need to simplify Ethereum’s tech stack over the next five years to align its architecture more closely with Bitcoin's simplicity. In May, Buterin highlighted that excessive technical development has led to increased development costs, security risks, and a narrow focus in research and development, often chasing benefits that have not materialized. In April, Buterin proposed transitioning to a RISC-V architecture to enhance the network's speed and resilience. Other experts, like XinXin Fan from IoTeX, have suggested using hash-based zero-knowledge proofs to quantum-proof the network without compromising user experience. This ongoing dialogue among Ethereum developers underscores the importance of balancing security, simplicity, and user accessibility in the network's evolution.
