Ethereum Developers Consider Pectra Split for Faster Delivery

Ethereum developers are discussing a potential split for the much-anticipated Pectra upgrade. The aim is to boost the network's scalability and efficiency.

Ethereum developers are discussing a potential split for the upcoming Pectra upgrade, aiming to boost the network’s scalability and efficiency with a possible early 2025 launch for the first phase.

During an execution layer meeting on September 12, the team considered combining two key developments—the Prague upgrade for the execution layer and the Electra upgrade for the consensus layer—into the Pectra upgrade. By splitting Pectra into two phases, they are aiming for a faster release.

“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,” one developer said during the meeting.

The potential split would allow for a smaller release, which is seen as less risky and more manageable. As highlighted by another developer, Danno Ferrin, during the meeting, “Splitting the fork only makes sense if we are talking Q1 delivery.”

To ensure timely delivery, a February 2025 deadline is being considered if the upgrade is split, with developers expressing concerns about potential delays.

“I think a split where we still only ship the first half in, say, June would be a failure,” Ethereum researcher Ansgar Dietrichs said during the meeting.

Developers are aiming to avoid delays that would push the full rollout of the upgrade past early 2025.

The upcoming All Core Developers (ACD) meeting, set for September 19, will likely see a final decision on splitting the Pectra upgrade.

By opting to split the upgrade, the team is aiming to minimize the risks associated with a large-scale release. Smaller upgrades are generally less risky and can be executed more efficiently. If approved, the first phase of Pectra is set to significantly enhance Ethereum’s execution and consensus layers.

The Ethereum community and researchers have high expectations for the Pectra upgrade, with some speculating on its potential scale.

“Chances of a split seem high given the complexity of the Pectra fork and the desire to add more to the upgrade. Developers are handling a highly anticipated, maximalist upgrade that could see major changes if split into two phases,” Galaxy researcher Christine Kim said in her analysis of the meeting.

Highlighting the broader anticipation, Sassal, an Ethereum educator with a large following on X, commented on the upgrade scale, stating that Pectra is “shaping up to be the biggest in Ethereum’s history.” This reflects the wider anticipation surrounding the potential improvements that Pectra could bring to Ethereum’s scalability and performance.

However, any delays in the split decision could impact the timeline, making the February 2025 target critical for Ethereum developers to meet.

In addition to Pectra, Ethereum developers are working on other network improvements. As reported, Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 3074 was approved for inclusion in the next major update in April 2024.

The proposal will enable regular wallets like MetaMask to function similarly to smart contracts, introducing new features like transaction bundling.

This upgrade will enhance the user experience by allowing functions that simplify wallet operations, such as users only needing to sign once for bundled transactions. The proposal reflects Ethereum’s commitment to improving the network’s overall efficiency while continuing to evolve its infrastructure.