will soon undergo a significant update called "Pectra", which will introduce many important changes and improvements. New features will include: improving the security of smart contracts, improving the functionality of wallets and increasing limits for validators. Work on the update is ongoing and its implementation is planned for early next year.
Key features of the Pectra update
EVM Object Format (EOF)
Update #Pectra introduces EVM Object Format (EOF). This is a new format that will improve the operation of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). EOF will make smart contracts more efficient and secure. EOF separates code from data, which is a big step forward in security.
EOF includes several Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) such as EIP-3540 (EOF – EVM Object Format v1), EIP-3670 (Code Validation), and EIP-4200 (Static Relative Jumps). Not all of these proposals have been confirmed for inclusion yet, which shows the complexity of the update. Wallet functionality improvements
Initially, the Pectra update was supposed to include EIP-3074, which was supposed to introduce AUTH and AUTHCALL instructions for wallets. Due to security and complexity concerns, EIP-3074 has been replaced by EIP-7702.
EIP-7702 introduces “flash smart wallet accounts” that temporarily transform accounts into smart contract wallets when executing transactions. This feature significantly improves the user experience by allowing transactions to be combined and paid by third parties.
Increased validator limits and other improvements
Increasing validator limits
EIP-7251 increases the maximum staking limit for validators from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH. This will allow larger entities such as Coinbase and Lido to manage their operations more efficiently, reducing network load and improving the stability of the beacon chain. Precompilations for cryptography
EIP-2537 introduces precompilations for BLS12-381 curve operations. This will improve the efficiency and security of cryptographic processes in the Ethereum network. Storing historical block hashes
EIP-2935 ensures historical block hashes are stored on the blockchain. This solution can improve network functionality and performance. Peer data availability sampling
EIP-7594 introduces Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS). This technique improves data distribution, increasing network scalability and reliability.
When will the#Pectraupdate be available?
Work to improve the scalability, performance and security of the Ethereum network continues. Not all improvement suggestions have been confirmed and some may be added later. The Pectra update was originally supposed to also include Verkle Trees, but their introduction was postponed until the next update, probably called "Osaka".
The Pectra update represents another important step in Ethereum's development. It was planned for the end of this year, but now it seems that its implementation will take place at the beginning of next year.
