Ethereum Developers Split Upcoming Pectra Upgrade into Two Phases

In a strategic move to manage complexity and minimize risks, Ethereum developers have decided to split the highly anticipated Pectra upgrade into two separate packages. This decision, made during the 142nd Ethereum All Core Developers Consensus Layer Call on Thursday, aims to streamline the implementation of what was set to be Ethereum’s largest hard fork to date.

Phased Rollout of Pectra Upgrade: Early 2025 Target

Pectra, originally slated for early 2025, will now be rolled out in two distinct phases. The first package, still targeting an early 2025 release, will focus on eight carefully selected Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). Among these is EIP-7702, a notable proposal authored by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in just 22 minutes, which aims to enhance wallet user experience.

Alex Stokes, an Ethereum Foundation researcher who led the call, emphasized the importance of maintaining a narrow scope for the initial upgrade. “I would lean towards keeping the scope very small, just because then that’s going to maximize our chances of actually shipping the second fork very quickly with respect to this first one,” Stokes said.

Second Phase of Pectra Upgrade: More Ambitious Upgrades

The second phase of Pectra, while still subject to changes, is expected to include more ambitious upgrades. These may involve modifications to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) through the EVM Object Format (EOF) and the introduction of PeerDAS, a feature designed to improve data availability sampling for layer-2 blockchains.

This phased approach comes in response to growing concerns about the upgrade’s increasing complexity. By splitting Pectra, developers aim to reduce the risk of bugs and ensure a smoother implementation process. The decision also allows for more focused testing and development of each component.

Potential Concerns to Watch

The Ethereum community has generally responded positively to this cautious approach, recognizing the importance of maintaining network stability while continuing to innovate. However, some developers raised concerns about the potential for scope creep in the second package.

As Ethereum continues to evolve, the Pectra upgrade represents a significant step forward in improving the network’s functionality and user experience. With this new phased approach, the Ethereum team demonstrates its commitment to responsible development and long-term sustainability of the platform.

ETH/USD Technical Analysis

The cryptocurrency market has responded favorably to this news, with Ethereum’s price showing positive movement. As of the latest data, ETH is trading above $2,440, having recently tested resistance near the $2,500 mark. Analysts suggest that a break above $2,550 could lead to further gains, potentially pushing the price towards $2,650 or even $2,800 in the near term.