Understanding Ethereum UXTO DB Structure Changes
The recent update to Bitcoin Core (BTC) version 0.15 has brought significant changes to the way the chain state database (DB) is structured in Ethereum. Specifically, the old prefix for keys and their corresponding data has been updated to a new format.
Old Prefix vs. Old Prefix. New Format
Before the update, the key prefixes used in the Ethereum database were:
- 0x63: Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- 0x43: Ethereum Classic (ETC)
After the update, these prefixes have been changed to:
- 0x43: Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and
- 0x53: Ethereum Classic (ETC) and
Where is this change described?
The change is not extensively documented in the official Ethereum documentation or on-chain channels. However, some online resources offer clues about the updates:
- Ethereum.org
: The official Ethereum website does not mention any changes to the DB structure.
- Ethereum Devnet: Some developers and contributors have shared their thoughts and insights on Reddit’s r/EthereumDevnet community, mentioning that the change occurred after a major update to Bitcoin Core.
- Ethereum 2.0 Documentation: While not directly related to the database structure, the Ethereum 2.0 documentation mentions changes to the network’s scalability solutions and storage mechanisms.
Conclusion
While the community is yet to reveal the exact details of this change, it appears that the Bitcoin Core update has introduced a new prefix system for key data in the Ethereum database. As with any major update, further research is recommended to understand the implications for Ethereum’s scalability, security, and usability.