- The Purge will remove outdated features and reduce data storage demands for Ethereum nodes.
- Buterin’s proposal includes “state expiry” to reduce permanent data storage, easing network operation.
- Stateless verification aims to make node operation possible on low-resource devices like phones.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled the fifth phase of his ongoing series on Ethereum’s future, titled “The Purge,” a roadmap designed to address the blockchain’s data storage and technical complexities. By removing excess data and outdated features, Buterin aims to create a more streamlined, efficient Ethereum network while maintaining its foundational blockchain permanence.
Source: Vitalik.eth
Reducing Data Bloat for Node Accessibility
A primary focus of The Purge is to reduce the data burden on nodes, which currently requires over 1.17 terabytes of storage due to historical data accumulation. Buterin’s proposal could reduce storage needs by minimizing the amount of permanent data each node must maintain, potentially easing the way for new nodes to join and operate effectively. The changes are expected to improve network efficiency without directly affecting Ethereum’s gas fees.
Towards Stateless Verification and State Expiry
The Purge also introduces the concept of “partial state expiry,” allowing less-accessed data to expire and be revived only when needed via cryptographic proofs. This approach, along with stateless verification, is intended to make Ethereum nodes accessible on devices with lower hardware resources, such as smartphones and smartwatches, enhancing user access and operational flexibility on the network.
