Vitalik proposes a reorganization plan for the execution layer, focusing on state trees and virtual machine upgrades to improve proof efficiency

WuSaidBlockchainW · 2026-03-01T23:35:18+00:00

Vitalik Buterin proposes the core direction for Ethereum execution layer upgrades: restructuring the state tree and adjusting the virtual machine, aiming to improve proof efficiency. EIP-7864 replaces the six-way Merkle Patricia Tree with an efficient binary tree, and also recommends gradually replacing the EVM with a more user-friendly virtual machine to optimize execution efficiency and ZK proofs.

WuSaidBlockchainW

2026-03-01 23:35:18

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Wu said that Vitalik Buterin stated that the two main focuses of Ethereum’s execution layer upgrades are restructuring the state tree and adjusting the virtual machine, aiming to address the primary bottleneck of proof efficiency. On the state layer, EIP-7864 proposes replacing the current six-way Merkle Patricia Tree with a binary tree structure based on a more efficient hash function to shorten Merkle branches, reduce bandwidth and proof costs, and optimize storage access structures. In the long term, he suggested gradually replacing the EVM with more proof-friendly virtual machines (such as RISC-V) to improve execution and ZK proof efficiency. The transition path may include initial use for precompilation, then opening contract deployment, and ultimately converting the EVM into a compatibility layer, maintaining backward compatibility while only adjusting Gas costs.

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