The Ethereum core development community is navigating a complex and evolving landscape as it works towards the next major network upgrades. This "Checkpoint" series aims to provide high-level updates on the intricate progress of these developments, offering clarity amidst the rapid pace of innovation. The latest update follows the previous installment and sheds light on the ongoing efforts for the "Glamsterdam" upgrade, while also setting the stage for its successor, "Hegotá."
Glamsterdam: A Steady, Yet Challenging, Path Forward
The upcoming Ethereum upgrade, codenamed "Glamsterdam," is experiencing a period of steady but intricate progress. While the momentum towards its implementation is undeniable, several key features are proving to be more technically demanding than initially anticipated. At the forefront of these challenges is the implementation of enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS), a significant architectural shift for the Ethereum network.
ePBS aims to fundamentally alter how blocks are produced on Ethereum. Currently, proposers and builders operate largely outside the protocol’s direct consensus mechanism. ePBS seeks to integrate these roles more closely within the consensus layer, creating a more robust and potentially more efficient system. However, this integration necessitates a deep re-evaluation of how the network handles disagreements and potential failures between these newly formalized roles. The complexity arises from the need for every component of the Ethereum stack to comprehend and manage "partial blocks" and the dynamics of two-party coordination, impacting a wide array of protocol functionalities.
On the execution layer, Block-level Access Lists (BALs), as proposed in EIP-7928, represent a foundational rethinking of gas mechanics and state access. This feature aims to provide more granular control over resource utilization, potentially leading to more predictable transaction costs and improved network efficiency. Development teams are making consistent progress on BAL devnets, working through the inherent complexities associated with such a significant change to how the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) operates.
Beyond these headline features, Glamsterdam also encompasses a suite of gas repricing initiatives, largely being developed and tested as a cohesive bundle. These repricings are critical for optimizing transaction costs and ensuring the network’s economic sustainability as it scales. Furthermore, there’s significant community engagement around EIP-7954, which proposes an increase to the maximum contract size. The constructive feedback from ecosystem developers underscores the importance of this EIP, making its inclusion in Glamsterdam highly probable.
The development timeline for Glamsterdam is meticulously tracked through various stages, including "Considered for Inclusion" (CFI) and "Scheduled for Inclusion" (SFI). Features in the SFI stage are virtually guaranteed to be part of the upgrade, while CFI features are highly likely but subject to implementation feasibility and compatibility with already scheduled components. The definitions of these stages are continually being refined to better reflect the dynamic nature of core development.
Developers are currently targeting the release of the first generalized Glamsterdam devnet in the near future, contingent on the stabilization of the current ePBS devnet. This will be followed by a series of iterative devnets that progressively incorporate more of the non-headliner features. The ultimate goal is to achieve a stable devnet featuring all planned components, after which client releases, rigorous security audits, and extensive testnet deployments will precede the announcement of the mainnet fork date. While the initial excitement following the Fusaka upgrade fueled hopes for rapid subsequent forks, Glamsterdam’s technical intricacies suggest a more deliberate rollout.
Hegotá: Charting the Course for the Next Upgrade
As Glamsterdam progresses, the Ethereum community is already looking ahead to the subsequent upgrade, codenamed "Hegotá." The selection process for Hegotá’s major feature has concluded, with FOCIL (EIP-7805) being chosen as the consensus layer headliner. FOCIL represents a significant advancement, though its specific technical implications are still being elaborated upon within the core development discourse.
The execution layer discussions for Hegotá were notably active, particularly concerning Account Abstraction (AA). While there was substantial interest and debate around an AA proposal (EIP-8141: Frame transactions), a lack of consensus on specific implementation details led to its reclassification. EIP-8141 has been moved to the Considered for Inclusion (CFI) status as a non-headliner feature. This decision signifies a commitment to exploring and developing an Account Abstraction solution that garners broader support among client developers, with an emphasis on community-driven participation. This strategic move allows for further refinement and consensus-building without delaying the broader upgrade timeline.
The growing interest in quantum resistance within the blockchain space has also surfaced in discussions surrounding Hegotá. While no standalone proposal solely focused on quantum resistance has been formally introduced yet, it is being considered as a component within broader Account Abstraction proposals. This indicates a forward-thinking approach to long-term network security, anticipating future cryptographic threats.
A critical aspect of the Hegotá upgrade process is the open submission of non-headlining features. Beginning April 9th, any interested party can propose a feature by submitting an EIP and having it included in the "Proposed for Inclusion" section of the upgrade’s meta EIP (EIP-8081). A formal closing date for these submissions will be announced with at least two weeks’ advance notice, ensuring ample opportunity for participation. The forkcast page for Hegotá serves as the definitive resource for the most up-to-date information on its development process and timeline. The eventual launch date for Hegotá will be significantly influenced by the pace and success of the Glamsterdam upgrade.
Gas Limits and Evolving Development Practices
Beyond the specific features of upcoming upgrades, ongoing research and testing are focused on increasing Ethereum’s gas limit. Current targets aim for a baseline gas limit of 60 million for Glamsterdam, but extensive testing is being conducted at much higher limits to understand the full implications and necessary optimizations. The gas repricing work integrated into Glamsterdam is a crucial enabler for safely supporting these higher gas limits, paving the way for increased transaction throughput.
In parallel with technical development, the Ethereum ecosystem is also refining its development processes. New resources have been published on the Protocol Support team website, aimed at empowering authors and advocates to champion feature proposals and solicit broader stakeholder feedback. The "EIP Champion’s Handbook" offers a comprehensive guide for those seeking to introduce new features into Ethereum upgrades, providing a structured pathway for proposal development and community engagement.
The ambition for faster Ethereum forks, as demonstrated by the swift follow-up to the Pectra upgrade with Fusaka, has been tempered by the technical complexities encountered with Glamsterdam. However, the core development teams appear undeterred by these challenges. The decision to designate a single headliner for Hegotá could potentially expedite its timeline, especially if the process for non-headliner proposals remains efficient. Furthermore, there is a palpable possibility that the community could converge on a particularly impactful Account Abstraction proposal, elevating it to headliner status and underscoring its importance.
While not an officially mandated roadmap, the "strawmap" published this year has played a significant role in revitalizing community enthusiasm for a shared vision of upgrade priorities. This community-driven tool appears to be effectively informing feature choices and fostering consensus during the upgrade process.
Relevant Discussion Channels
The progress and decision-making surrounding these upgrades are meticulously documented and discussed in various Ethereum core development calls. Key discussions from January 21st to April 9th can be found in the following archives:
- All Core Developer Treasury (ACDT): Calls 76, 75, 74, 73, 72, 71, 70, 69, 68, 67.
- All Core Developer Consensus (ACDC): Calls 176, 175, 174, 173.
- All Core Developer Execution (ACDE): Calls 234, 233, 232, 231, 230, 229.
These channels represent the engine room of Ethereum’s evolution, where technical challenges are dissected, solutions are debated, and the future of the network is collectively shaped. The sustained effort and collaborative spirit evident in these discussions underscore the commitment to building a more robust, scalable, and decentralized Ethereum.
