EIP-4844: Understand why this Ethereum update matters to you

The problem that Ethereum faces

Ethereum has been facing critical bottlenecks: high fees and slow confirmations during peak usage times. Anyone who has ever tried to make a transaction during peak hours knows how frustrating it is. EIP-4844, short for 'Ethereum Improvement Proposal 4844', emerges as a direct response to these challenges affecting the network's scalability.

Proto-danksharding: the complicated name for a practical solution

Known also as proto-danksharding, EIP-4844 is part of Ethereum's Cancun upgrade. But what does “proto” mean in this context? It's simple: proto indicates that it is a preliminary version, an intermediate step before full danksharding. While danksharding represents the final destination of radical scalability, proto-danksharding is the practical path that prepares Ethereum to get there.

How it works in practice: the blobs explained

EIP-4844 introduces a new concept: blobs. Think of them as temporary data packages attached to transactions. The difference? These blobs do not overload the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) because they are stored for a short period and then automatically discarded. This allows for transporting much more information without sacrificing the security or speed of the network.

Two changes that you will feel

Faster transactions: With the ability to process more data per block, the confirmation time decreases significantly. It's like widening a highway to accommodate more cars.

Reduced fees: Blobs offer an economical way to load additional data. Direct result: the cost of using Ethereum decreases, making the network accessible to more users.

Why this is just the beginning

EIP-4844 is not the final solution for scalability. It is a foundation. Full danksharding will come in the future, promising to drastically increase the number of transactions that Ethereum can process without compromising security. Therefore, by implementing proto-danksharding now, Ethereum is building the infrastructure for exponential growth.

The Cancun update marks a key moment: Ethereum not only addresses current issues but also positions itself for much greater challenges to come.