Ethereum Developers Mull Splitting Pectra Upgrade, Target February Launch

Ethereum developers are contemplating splitting the highly anticipated Pectra upgrade into two phases, aiming for an initial release by February 2025. This move is intended to enhance the network's efficiency and scalability while mitigating risks associated with larger updates.

Key Takeaways

• Split Consideration: Developers are considering dividing the Pectra upgrade into two parts to expedite the release.

• February Target: The first phase of the upgrade is expected to launch by February 2025.

• Risk Mitigation: Smaller, phased updates are seen as less risky.

• Complexity: The complexity of the Pectra upgrade is driving the decision to split.

• Community Optimism: The industry is optimistic about the potential benefits of the upgrade.

Developers Eye February Deadline

During Ethereum's execution layer meeting on September 12, developers discussed the possibility of splitting the Pectra upgrade. "There is broad agreement that if we split, the idea is that we want to ship Pectra one quicker, or as quick as possible, early next year should be our target," an Ethereum developer stated.

Another developer added, "February feels realistic with a split Pectra." Danno Ferrin, another developer, emphasized that splitting the fork only makes sense if it can be delivered in the first quarter of 2025.

EF Researcher Ansgar Dietrichs warned that if the split upgrade isn't delivered quickly, it would be considered a failure. "I think a split where we still only ship the first half in, say, June would be a failure," he said.

Complexity and Risk Mitigation

The Pectra upgrade combines two separate upgrades: the Prague upgrade, which focuses on changes to the network's execution layer, and the Electra upgrade, which impacts the consensus layer. Given the complexity, splitting the upgrade into two phases is seen as a safer option.

Galaxy crypto researcher Christine Kim believes the chances of a split are high due to the complexity and the desire to add more features to the upgrade. "The scope of the Pectra upgrade could change drastically if developers decide to split it across two hard forks," Kim noted.

Industry Optimism

The industry is optimistic about the Pectra upgrade. Christine Kim previously stated that the Pectra upgrade is shaping up to be one of the largest in Ethereum's history. Ethereum educator Sassal echoed this sentiment, calling it potentially the biggest upgrade in Ethereum's history.

In April 2024, Cointelegraph reported that Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 3074 was approved for inclusion in the next update. This proposal allows normal crypto wallets to function like smart contracts, enabling features such as transaction bundling and sponsored transactions.

The developers will make a final decision on the split during the next Ethereum All Core Developers (ACD) call on September 19.

Sources

• ETHUSD - Ethereum developers consider splitting Pectra upgrade, eye February target , advfn.fr.

• Ethereum developers consider splitting Pectra upgrade, eye February target , Cointelegraph.

• La mise à niveau Pectra d’Ethereum devrait se diviser en deux, la première phase étant attendue début 2025 Par Journal Du Token, Investing.com France.

• Desarrolladores de Ethereum consideran posibilidad de dividir la actualización Pectra, Cointelegraph.

• COINTURK NEWS - Bitcoin, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency News and Analysis, cointurk news.