The pace of Ethereum’s core development continues to be a dynamic and intricate process, with recent All Core Developer calls highlighting both steady progress and the inherent challenges in pushing forward significant upgrades. This comprehensive update aims to provide a high-level overview of the current state of core development, focusing on the upcoming "Glamsterdam" and "Hegotá" upgrades, alongside other critical advancements and community initiatives. As Ethereum strives for continuous improvement and scalability, understanding the nuances of these development cycles is crucial for stakeholders across the ecosystem.
Glamsterdam Upgrade: Progress and Persistent Challenges
The Glamsterdam upgrade, the next significant network enhancement for Ethereum, is progressing, albeit with a pace that reflects the complexity of its proposed features. The upgrade’s roadmap, accessible via platforms like Forkcast, outlines a range of features categorized as either "Scheduled for Inclusion" (SFI) or "Considered for Inclusion" (CFI). SFI features are highly likely to be integrated into the final upgrade, while CFI features, though probable, are subject to implementation feasibility, compatibility with SFI features, and overall development timelines. The definitions and stages of EIP (Ethereum Improvement Proposal) progression are themselves subject to ongoing refinement, aiming to provide greater clarity and efficiency to the upgrade process.
A central pillar of the Glamsterdam upgrade is the implementation of enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation (ePBS). This ambitious feature aims to fundamentally alter the block production process by separating the roles of block proposers and block builders within the consensus layer itself. Currently, these functions operate largely outside the protocol, creating a complex dynamic where the protocol must manage potential disagreements or failures between these independent entities. ePBS necessitates a re-architecture of the entire stack, requiring every component to account for "partial blocks" and the intricate coordination between two distinct parties.
On the execution layer, Block-level Access Lists (BALs), detailed in EIP-7928, represent a significant re-evaluation of how gas and state access are managed. BALs are designed to provide more granular control and potentially optimize gas usage by allowing smart contracts to declare their state access upfront. Development on BALs is proceeding through dedicated devnets, which are crucial for identifying and resolving the inherent complexities associated with such a foundational change.
While the core technical challenges are being addressed, other features are also seeing movement. Several gas repricing proposals, largely being bundled together as per EIP-8007, are under active consideration. These repricings are essential for optimizing network efficiency and potentially enabling higher gas limits. The ecosystem has also voiced strong support for EIP-7954, a proposal to increase the maximum contract size. This feature, driven by constructive feedback from developers, is likely to be prioritized due to its potential impact on decentralized application development.
The development team is currently aiming for the deployment of the first generalized Glamsterdam devnet in the near future, contingent on the stabilization of the current ePBS devnet. Subsequent iterations will incorporate an increasing number of non-headliner features. Once a stable devnet encompassing all slated features is achieved, the focus will shift to client releases, rigorous security audits, extensive testnet deployments, and finally, the announcement of the mainnet fork date. This phased approach underscores the commitment to a robust and secure upgrade.
Hegotá Upgrade: Defining the Next Frontier
Looking beyond Glamsterdam, the next major upgrade, Hegotá, has already seen the selection of its primary feature. FOCIL (EIP-7805) has been chosen as the consensus layer headliner for Hegotá, marking a significant decision for the future trajectory of the network.
The execution layer, however, experienced a more contested debate regarding Account Abstraction (AA). While there is broad consensus on the importance of AA for enhancing user experience and developer flexibility, disagreements over specific implementation choices for a particular proposal (EIP-8141, "Frame transactions") led to its reclassification. The proposal has been moved to "Considered for Inclusion" (CFI) status as a non-headliner. This decision reflects a commitment to advancing Account Abstraction within Hegotá, but with a placeholder for a proposal that can garner broader support among client developers and the wider community. This approach allows for further discussion and refinement while still acknowledging the critical nature of AA.
Emerging trends in core development include a growing interest in quantum resistance. While no standalone quantum-resistant proposals have yet been formally introduced for Hegotá, the possibility exists for such features to be integrated into broader AA proposals or as non-headliner EIPs. The long-term security of the Ethereum network against future technological advancements is a key consideration for developers.
A crucial aspect of the Hegotá upgrade process is the open call for non-headliner features. Starting April 9th, any individual or group can propose a feature for consideration by submitting an EIP and integrating it into 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’ notice, ensuring ample time for community engagement. The Forkcast page for Hegotá will serve as the central hub for the latest information regarding the upgrade’s timeline and process.
The eventual launch date for the Hegotá upgrade is intrinsically linked to the progress and successful deployment of Glamsterdam. The lessons learned and the technical groundwork laid during the Glamsterdam cycle will significantly influence the timeline and execution of Hegotá.
Gas Limits and Network Scalability
A persistent area of focus across upgrade cycles is the increase of gas limits to enhance network throughput. Current devnet testing is actively exploring significantly higher gas limits than the current baseline. The immediate target for the baseline gas limit in Glamsterdam is 60 million gas. However, ongoing tests are pushing much higher, up to 100 million and beyond, to thoroughly understand the implications for node performance, network stability, and potential optimizations required. The gas repricing efforts integrated into Glamsterdam are expected to be foundational in enabling these safer and higher gas limits, paving the way for a more scalable Ethereum.
Empowering EIP Champions: New Resources for the Community
To foster a more streamlined and effective upgrade process, the Protocol Support team has launched new resources aimed at assisting EIP authors and advocates. The "EIP Champion’s Handbook," available on the Protocol Support website, provides comprehensive guidance on navigating the proposal lifecycle, gathering stakeholder feedback, and championing feature proposals through the upgrade pipeline. This initiative is designed to empower community members who wish to contribute directly to the evolution of the Ethereum protocol.
Broader Context and Community Sentiment
The rapid succession of upgrades following Fusaka, such as Pectra and the subsequent focus on Glamsterdam, initially generated excitement about faster fork cadences. However, Glamsterdam’s complexity, particularly around ePBS, has demonstrated that significant technical hurdles can lead to more deliberate development cycles. While this might mean a Q2 launch for Glamsterdam is unlikely, the clear designation of a single headliner for Hegotá offers a potentially more predictable path forward. The possibility remains that a compelling Account Abstraction proposal could emerge and gain sufficient traction to be elevated to a headliner for Hegotá, reflecting its community importance.
The recent publication of the "strawmap" this year has also played a significant role in revitalizing community enthusiasm. While not an official roadmap, this community-driven document serves as a valuable guideline for feature selection during upgrade processes. It appears to be effectively fostering consensus and helping the community align on development priorities, acting as a beneficial tool in shaping the future direction of Ethereum.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Path to Progress
The journey of Ethereum’s core development is a testament to the collaborative spirit and technical ingenuity of its global community. The challenges encountered with Glamsterdam, particularly the intricacies of ePBS, are not seen as setbacks but as essential learning experiences that pave the way for more robust and secure future upgrades. The clear path forward for Hegotá, with a defined headliner and an open process for non-headliner proposals, signifies a commitment to continued innovation and community-driven evolution. As the network matures, the ongoing efforts to improve scalability, user experience, and security remain paramount, with each upgrade cycle bringing Ethereum closer to its long-term vision.
Relevant All Core Developer (ACD) Calls:
A comprehensive understanding of the discussions and decisions driving these upgrades can be found in the archived ACD calls. Key calls between January 21st and April 9th, offering insights into the progress and debates surrounding Glamsterdam and Hegotá, include:
- ACDT: Calls 76, 75, 74, 73, 72, 71, 70, 69, 68, 67
- ACDC: Calls 176, 175, 174, 173
- ACDE: Calls 234, 233, 232, 231, 230, 229
