Vitalik Outlines Ethereum Development Roadmap: Radical Execution Layer Upgrades

Vitalik Buterin has published a detailed roadmap outlining how to design the future execution layer function in Ethereum. This strategic diagram reflects a comprehensive vision for deep and fundamental updates. According to Odaily Star Daily, the plan focuses on two main areas: redesigning the data storage architecture and improving computational execution efficiency.

Redesign of the State Tree: From Patricia to Binary Structure

Vitalik proposes a comprehensive upgrade to the current state tree through EIP-7864, transitioning from the traditional Merkle Patricia model to a more efficient binary tree structure. This change relies on improved hash functions like Blake3 or the Poseidon series, which offer superior data processing performance.

The main benefit of this transition is significantly reducing the length of Merkle branches, directly lowering the bandwidth costs required to verify blocks. Additionally, the plan will unify storage cells and group them into organized pages, greatly reducing the cost of accessing neighboring data. The new structure also retains the necessary metadata bits to enable state expiration features in later stages.

Virtual Machine Revolution: From EVM to RISC-V

Vitalik aims to chart a long-term evolution path to replace the current Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with a new model based on RISC-V architecture. This enhanced virtual machine should fundamentally improve execution efficiency and enhance the cryptographic proof of complex operations.

The key advantages of the new system include the ability to generate Zero-Knowledge proofs on the client side without relying on centralization, as well as simplifying the programming process for writing and executing code on the network. This development opens new horizons for developers and decentralized applications.

Phased Development Path and Future Impacts

The implementation plan includes specific, logical phases: starting with replacing pre-compiled contracts, followed by supporting the deployment of new contracts on the upgraded virtual machine, and ultimately achieving full backward compatibility and gradually and securely replacing EVM.

This strategic roadmap reflects Vitalik’s commitment to defining a clear evolution path for Ethereum, combining technological ambition with practical feasibility. The proposed upgrades to the state tree and virtual machine point toward a future with higher efficiency, improved security, and more advanced applications on the network.