Ethereum is a framework experiencing substantial transformations. Client groups are enhancing the framework to expand and satisfy global needs while boosting safety and decentralization. Beyond framework advancements, a significant transition in Ethereum has been the escape from ‘Eth1’ and ‘Eth2’ nomenclature. Since late 2021, principal developers have ceased using this terminology, opting for ‘execution layer’ and ‘consensus layer’, respectively. Today, as noted in our Q1 roadmap, ethereum.org is adopting the same transition.
- Eth1 → execution layer
- Eth2 → consensus layer
- Execution layer + consensus layer = Ethereum
Let’s investigate the reasons why.
Tl;dr;
- The designations Eth1 and Eth2 (Ethereum 2.0) are being eliminated
- Execution layer (Eth1) and consensus layer (Eth2) are the updated terminologies
- The blueprint to expand Ethereum in a decentralized fashion remains unchanged
- No action is required on your part
Where did Ethereum 2.0 originate?
Ethereum has always included, within its roadmap, intentions to increase the network’s capacity in a decentralized manner and to shift to proof-of-stake. Initially, researchers tackled these endeavors separately, but by around 2018, they were integrated into a unified roadmap under the “Ethereum 2.0” banner.
According to that roadmap, the current proof-of-work chain (Eth1) would ultimately be retired through the difficulty bomb. Users & applications would transition to a new proof-of-stake Ethereum chain, dubbed Eth2.
The piece The Roadmap to Serenity from ConsenSys elaborates on the state of affairs as of early 2019.
What modifications occurred?
As efforts commenced on the Beacon Chain, it became apparent that the phased Ethereum 2.0 roadmap would require several years for full implementation. This resulted in a resurgence of research initiatives on the proof-of-work chain, like Stateless Ethereum, a concept designed to eliminate the unstated state from the network to regulate its growth rate.
The heightened focus on rendering the proof-of-work chain sustainably long-term, paired with the understanding that the Beacon Chain would be operational significantly earlier than additional components of the Ethereum 2.0 roadmap, prompted an “Early Merge” proposal. This suggestion proposed launching the existing EVM chain as “Shard 0” of the Ethereum 2.0 structure. This would not only expedite the transition to proof-of-stake but also facilitate a considerably smoother shift for applications, as the transition could occur without any migration on their side.
Shortly following this proposal, Danny Ryan examined how this could be achieved by utilizing the current Eth1 clients in his Eth1+Eth2 client relationship post. This would significantly lower the development efforts needed to deliver a post-merge system and make use of existing clients that had been rigorously tested for years on Mainnet. Around the same time, research on rollups as a credible and secure method to scale Ethereum showed promise. Instead of waiting for a complex and uncertain scaling solution years ahead, we could redirect our emphasis towards scaling through rollups rather than sharded execution.
Want to delve deeper? View Danny Ryan’s “Eth1 + Eth2 = Ethereum” ETHGlobal presentation.
Why can’t we merely use Eth2?
Mental models
A significant issue with the Eth2 branding is that it establishes a misleading mental framework for new Ethereum users. They instinctively believe that Eth1 precedes Eth2, or that Eth1 ceases to exist post-Eth2. Neither of these assertions holds true. By discarding the Eth2 terminology, we protect all future users from grappling with this perplexing mental model.
Inclusivity
As the blueprint for Ethereum has progressed, Ethereum 2.0 has evolved into an inaccurate depiction of Ethereum’s roadmap. Exercising caution and precision in word choice enables content regarding Ethereum to be comprehended by the widest audience possible.
Scam prevention
Regrettably, malicious entities have exploited the confusion surrounding Eth2 to deceive users, urging them to exchange their ETH for ‘ETH2’ tokens or alleging that they must transfer their ETH before the Eth2 advancement.
We hope this revised terminology will clarify matters and help eliminate this scam opportunity, contributing to a safer ecosystem.
Staking clarity
Certain staking operators have also labeled ETH staked on the Beacon Chain with the ‘ETH2’ ticker. This creates confusion, as users of these services are not actually receiving an ‘ETH2’ token. No ‘ETH2’ token exists; it simply indicates their portion in that particular provider’s stake.
In what way does this update alter the Ethereum roadmap?
It does not! It is crucial to recognize that this renaming signifies a change in title only. The elements on Ethereum’s existing roadmap (i.e. the merge, sharding) along with future elements will continue to occur on the identical timeline. More regarding the Ethereum upgrades.
Changes in Content
ethereum.org
- Our ‘Eth2’ materials (ethereum.org/en/eth2) have now transitioned to our ‘Ethereum upgrades’ section
- Specific features are now identified as ‘upgrades’
- All pages that previously addressed Eth2 have been revised, with clarifications included wherever applicable
The rebranding process was an extensive endeavor resulting in many alterations to the content. There are likely occurrences we have overlooked and enhancements yet to be made. Spot something that requires attention? File an issue or submit a PR on the ethereum.org GitHub.
Staking Launchpad
Update February 1, 2022
As part of the significant renaming effort, we have also revamped the Ethereum Staking Launchpad (previously called the Eth2 Launchpad) to align with the terminological updates. Please report any issues or create a PR if we have overlooked anything.
Translations of Content
If you possess the ability to translate content, we could certainly benefit from your assistance! We’ve refreshed this content in English, but our more than 40 additional languages are currently outdated, continuing to reference Eth2 terms. We kindly ask you to consider getting involved.
We have updated our content categories to add an Ethereum upgrades category. This will enable our hundreds of active contributors in the Translation Program to directly focus on these alterations, facilitating the prompt publication of new, accurate information across languages.
Want to assist in translating ethereum.org or the Ethereum Staking Launchpad? Explore our translation initiative.
A concluding remark
To numerous individuals, ethereum.org is viewed as a reliable source of information maintained by our community. Understandably, many were reluctant to depart from Eth2 terminology until ethereum.org transitioned. We aspire that our modifications will inspire others to abandon the outdated Eth2 terminology. By doing so, you will contribute to establishing consistency and clarity throughout the ecosystem, allowing for more precise mental frameworks and enhancing the accessibility of Ethereum.
Special acknowledgment to Tim Beiko and Trent Van Epps whose writings were extensively cited in this article.
