Ethereum Developers Discuss Pectra Upgrade and Quantum Resistance in Latest ACDE Call

The latest ACDE Call #193, chaired by Ethereum Foundation’s Tim Beiko, highlighted crucial discussions around the Pectra upgrade, EIP 7212, and quantum resistance. Let’s delve deeper into the key takeaways and insights shared by Ethereum developers during this virtual meeting.
Pectra Devnet 2: Bug Fixes and Updates
Developers provided updates on the ongoing bug fixes in Pectra Devnet 2, emphasizing the exclusion of EIP 7702 due to issues causing chain splits. Despite challenges with clients like Erigon, Prysm, and Reth, the team is working diligently to address them, with plans to reintroduce EIP 7702 in Devnet 3.
Enhancing EOA Programmability with EIP 7702
EIP 7702, aimed at improving programmability for externally owned accounts (EOA), was a focal point of discussion. Developers plan to maintain the current design with potential minor adjustments, awaiting further progress on EOF code changes before its inclusion in the next Pectra devnet.
Transitioning to SSZ and EIP 6110
Proposals to serialize validator deposit requests using Simple Serialize (SSZ) instead of RLP serialization were debated, signaling a shift towards reducing protocol complexity. While opinions varied on JSON encoding, there was consensus on transitioning to SSZ in the future.
New Engine API Method and EIP 7212
Developers explored the Engine API’s “getBlobsV1” method for CL clients and deliberated the inclusion of EIP 7212, a precompiled contract for signature verification. Despite postponing its inclusion for more robust testing, developers emphasized the need for additional test coverage and support.
Preparing for Quantum Resistance
The discussion also touched upon quantum resistance in the wake of potential threats from quantum computers. Developers considered the implications on Ethereum’s cryptography, prompting further talks on quantum-resistant methods and optimal data structures.
Introducing EIP 7736 and EIP 4444
EIP 7736 proposed state expiry to aid the Verkle transition, aiming to manage Ethereum’s state growth effectively. Additionally, updates on EIP 4444 highlighted the use of torrents for retrieving expired history data, encouraging feedback from developers.
As Ethereum continues to evolve, these discussions in the ACDE Call shed light on the community’s commitment to innovation and blockchain advancements. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the latest developments in the crypto space.