WASM Emerges as the Better Choice for Ethereum L1 as Developers Push Back Against RISC-V Proposal
Their statement directly addresses recent discussions about replacing the existing virtual machine with a new architecture that could simplify the protocol and improve long-term scalability. While the proposal suggested that RISC-V could streamline the execution environment and help optimize zero-knowledge proof generation, many researchers believe WASM is the more practical and safer path forward.
Why RISC-V Was Proposed for Ethereum L1
The idea behind using RISC-V is to give Ethereum a simpler, more universal execution base that resembles real-world CPU architectures. Supporters argue that a hardware-style instruction set could eventually reduce complexity and potentially improve the performance of proof systems that verify blockchain computations. The goal is to create a leaner Layer-1 capable of supporting Ethereum’s future scaling roadmap.
However, critics believe that while RISC-V may offer benefits for internal proving systems, it introduces unnecessary challenges when used as the primary format for smart contracts.
Why WASM May Be the Stronger Option for Layer-1
The opposing analysis presents several reasons why WASM is better positioned for Ethereum’s long-term evolution:
1. Hardware Neutrality
WASM was designed to run consistently across different environments, independent of CPU architecture. This ensures deterministic behavior an essential requirement for blockchain execution.
2. Strong Security and Type Safety
WASM includes built-in type checking and structured execution, which reduces the risk of unexpected behavior and makes it easier to audit and secure smart contracts.
3. Mature Tooling and Widespread Adoption
WASM is already supported across various programming languages and development environments. Existing compilers, debugging tools, and optimization pipelines would make adoption smoother for both developers and Layer-2 teams.
4. Better Fit for Contract Delivery
The analysis argues that the instruction set used for smart contracts on Layer-1 should prioritize safety, auditability, and compatibility. According to the authors, WASM aligns with these goals more closely than RISC-V.
Separating Delivery ISA and Proving ISA
This separation would allow Ethereum to benefit from advancements in proving performance without forcing the entire ecosystem to migrate to a CPU-like architecture.
Impact on Developers and Layer-2 Networks
A shift to WASM could streamline the onboarding of developers who use languages like Rust, Go, C, and C++. It would also ease integration for Layer-2 solutions that rely heavily on compatibility with Ethereum’s base layer.
On the other hand, adopting RISC-V would require extensive re-tooling, new compilers, and significant architectural overhauls for existing infrastructure a costly and time-consuming transition.
FAQs
1. What is the main purpose of replacing Ethereum’s current execution model?
The goal is to simplify the base protocol and improve long-term scalability by adopting a more modern and efficient instruction set.
2. Why do some developers prefer WASM for Ethereum Layer-1?
They argue that WASM offers better security, strong tooling support, and hardware neutrality, making it more reliable for global contract execution.
3. Would switching to WASM or RISC-V break existing smart contracts?
Any transition would likely involve compatibility layers or dual-runtime support to ensure current contracts continue to function without interruption.
4. Is it possible for Ethereum to use both WASM and RISC-V?
Yes. WASM could be used for contract execution while RISC-V or other architectures are used internally for zero-knowledge proving systems.
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