Ethereum (ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin has laid out a vision to drastically simplify Ethereumโs core architecture, aiming to boost scalability, resilience, and accessibility. The most radical idea includes a proposal to replace the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with RISC-V, an open-source instruction set architecture
In a blog post published on May 3, Buterin argued that the shift could improve zero-knowledge proof efficiency, reduce complexity, and lower infrastructure costs across the Ethereum ecosystem.
Vitalik Buterin Pushes for Simpler, Faster Ethereum
According to Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s long-term resilience and scalability depend not just on performance improvements but on simplifying the protocol.
Sponsored
Therefore, his new plan suggests simplifying Ethereum by redesigning the consensus layer with 3-slot finality, replacing the current EVM with a more straightforward virtual machine, and removing outdated code from the core consensus to improve backwards compatibility.
It also proposes standardizing key components, such as erasure codes and serialization formats, across different layers to reduce redundancy and risk.
A simpler architecture would make it easier for more developers to get involved, lower costs, cut down on bugs, and help maintain Ethereumโs neutrality as a global platform.
RISC-V: A Simpler, Faster Execution Layer
At the core of the Ethereum co-founderโs proposal is replacing the current Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with simpler, faster alternatives like RISC-V. This new virtual machine is better suited for modern cryptographic systems and promises to improve Ethereum’s speed, efficiency, and scalability.
Buterin argues that RISC-V can perform operations directly, making it “easier to understand” and potentially broadening the pool of developers capable of engaging in protocol research.
The shift to RISC-V would lower infrastructure costs, reduce long-term maintenance expenses, and minimize the risk of serious bugs. With fewer complex components, it could also shrink Ethereumโs “social attack surface,” making the platform more secure and accessible.
This architectural change could improve performance by up to 100x for certain operations, all while maintaining backward compatibility with existing smart contracts.
Buterin envisions a system that could become โclose to as simple as Bitcoinโ, boosting Ethereum’s credibility, neutrality, and global trust.
Simplifying the architecture would also encourage broader participation in protocol development, allowing for more developers to contribute and innovate.
Buterin Admits Past Mistakes
Despite the ambitious vision, Vitalik Buterin acknowledged his own shortcomings in the networkโs evolution.
He noted that some of Ethereumโs complexity resulted from decisions he made in pursuit of benefits that โproved illusory.โ
On the Flipside
- Transitioning from EVM to RISC-V may involve significant technical hurdles and require extensive testing to ensure stability.
- Ethereumโs decentralized nature makes it difficult to implement major changes, as various groups must agree before progress can happen.
Why This Matters
Vitalik Buterinโs proposal marks a bold shift in Ethereumโs (ETH) roadmap, which could set the tone for the next phase of the protocolโs evolution. While its implementation would involve significant challenges, it signals Ethereumโs ongoing push to remain the leading smart contract platform through innovation and simplification.
Discover DailyCoinโs trending crypto news:
Cardano Beats Ethereum in Dev Activity, So Why is ADA Still Struggling?
Pi Coin Price On Big Discount: Is Pi Network Mining Worth It?
