Since its inception in 2015, Ethereum has become one of the most influential blockchain platforms in the world, continuously driving the development of decentralized applications. To address growing user demands and technical challenges, Ethereum has undergone a series of crucial upgrades. These upgrades not only represent technological innovation but also symbolize the collective efforts of the Ethereum community to pursue progress. This article will take you through the reasons for Ethereum’s upgrades, its naming logic, frequency, and timeline, while highlighting several milestone upgrades in recent years to help you easily grasp the core concepts of this technological transformation.

Why Does Ethereum Need Upgrades?

To respond to the evolution of blockchain technology and the deepening of its applications, Ethereum needs regular upgrades to tackle challenges on various fronts:

• Scalability: As more users and applications join the Ethereum network, transaction demands increase. Upgrades aim to enhance the network’s capacity to process large volumes of transactions effectively.
• Security: With the growing number of network threats, upgrades are critical to strengthening Ethereum’s defenses against potential attacks.
• Efficiency: Improvements help reduce transaction costs (gas fees) and increase transaction speed, making the platform more user-friendly and attractive for both developers and users.

Naming Convention for Ethereum Upgrades

Ethereum upgrades are divided into two distinct layers: the Execution Layer (EL) and the Consensus Layer (CL). Since 2021, upgrades to the Execution Layer have been named after the cities that hosted Ethereum Devcon events in chronological order. This approach not only highlights significant Ethereum community gatherings but also represents the continuity and legacy within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Past upgrades include Berlin (April 2021), London (August 2021), Shanghai (April 2023), and Cancun (March 2024). The next upgrade, Prague, is expected to take place in Q1 2025.

On the other hand, upgrades to the Consensus Layer are named after stars in alphabetical order. Past Consensus Layer upgrades include Beacon Chain (December 2020), Altair (October 2021), Bellatrix (September 2022), Capella (April 2023), and Deneb (May 2024). The next scheduled upgrades are Electra and Fulu.

Since “The Merge” in September 2022, which unified the two layers into a single system, Ethereum began deploying upgrades simultaneously across both layers. This led to combined upgrade names such as Shanghai-Capella, commonly referred to as “Shapella”, and Cancun-Deneb, known as “Dencun”. The upcoming Prague-Electra upgrade is usually called “Pectra”.

Upgrade Frequency

Ethereum upgrades occur regularly, usually in response to emerging needs within the ecosystem. The frequency may vary depending on development progress and community consensus. Historically, major upgrades have been implemented approximately every 6 to 12 months, with smaller updates occurring more frequently.

Recent Major Upgrades

• The Merge

In September 2022, The Merge marked a milestone in Ethereum’s history by transitioning from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS), reducing energy consumption by approximately 99.95%. This transformation not only improved sustainability but also laid the groundwork for enhanced scalability in the future.

• Shapella

Launched in March 2023, this upgrade enabled users to withdraw staked ETH for the first time since The Merge. It also included various improvements aimed at enhancing transaction efficiency and user experience.

• Dencun

Scheduled for early 2024, Dencun will introduce proto-danksharding, designed to reduce gas fees by improving data storage capabilities for Layer 2 solutions. This upgrade is expected to significantly enhance transaction throughput and overall user experience.

• Pectra

Set for early 2025, Pectra will incorporate nine Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), including improvements to Ethereum’s data availability, enhanced performance, scalability, and better user experience when interacting with smart contracts.

Conclusion

Through continuous upgrades, Ethereum solidifies its leading position in the blockchain space, creating a more efficient, secure, and sustainable network environment for users and developers worldwide. These upgrades not only address current technological bottlenecks but also lay a solid foundation for future innovation. For market participants, understanding the background and significance of these upgrades provides a more comprehensive view of Ethereum’s operational mechanism and growth potential.

As Ethereum continues to move toward scalability and user experience optimization, we have every reason to look forward to future upgrades that will bring even more possibilities to the ecosystem, ensuring Ethereum maintains its momentum and core value in the blockchain world.