EELS Aims to Revolutionize Ethereum Protocol Understanding
On August 29, 2023, the Ethereum Foundation unveiled a groundbreaking project known as the Ethereum Execution Layer Specification (EELS). This Python-based tool represents a significant departure from Ethereum’s intricate core protocol, with the primary goal of simplification and accessibility.
Traditionally, the Ethеreum Yellow Paper, an academic document outlining the protocol’s technical intricacies, served as the go-to resource for this information. EELS is poised to take the reins from the Yellow Paper, streamlining development activities on the Ethereum network.
Originating in 2021, the EELS project emerged from a collaborative effort between the Ethereum Foundation and ConsenSys’ Quilt team. Its main objective was to create a more user-friendly and developer-centric platform. EELS boasts a multifaceted functionality; it can execute state tests, closely monitor the mainnet, and, most crucially, provide a foundational framework for the development and prototyping of new Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs).
One of EELS’ standout features is its snapshot capability. It offers comprehensive snapshots of the Ethereum protocol at each network fork. This is a game-changer for developers, offering a simplified yet comprehensive view of network changes, easing the transition to new updates.
While EELS is still in its developmental stages, its potential is undeniable. It has already played a pivotal role in implementing EIP-6780. Accessible on GitHub, the project is open to anyone with Python 3.8 or higher and operates under the Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal license.
The Ethereum Foundation actively encourages community participation in the development of EELS. Developers can contribute by engaging with the project’s GitHub repository or joining specialized discussions in the #specifications channel on Discord.
EELS represents not only a new specification but also a significant step beyond the Yellow Paper, signaling a long-term vision for documenting Ethereum’s core protocol. Despite its early stage and the absence of detailed annotations, the Etherеum Foundation envisions EELS as the future platform for Core EIPs and a fundamental reference for Etherеum’s operational principles. Additionally, its compatibility with existing Ethereum test suites ensures rigorous validation of its features. This development is poised to accelerate innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem.
In other notable news, payment giant Visa recently conducted a successful test enabling users to pay Etherеum gas fees with their credit or debit cards. This test, conducted on August 14, 2023, leveraged Etherеum’s ERC-4337 standards and a specialized smart contract. It is expected to simplify user interactions with Ethereum-based applications, eliminating the need to hold ETH solely for gas fees.
