An Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) is a formal document that describes standards for the Ethereum platform, including core protocol specifications, client APIs, and contract standards. EIPs provide a standardized way for community members to propose changes, introduce new features, or suggest process improvements to enhance the Ethereum ecosystem. Created in October 2015 by core developers including Vitalik Buterin and Martin Becze, the EIP process serves as the foundation for how Ethereum evolves and upgrades.
Types of Ethereum Improvement Proposals
Standard Track EIPs
These proposals affect most or all Ethereum implementations and include several subcategories. Core EIPs require consensus forks and deal with fundamental protocol changes. Networking EIPs specify network protocol improvements, while Interface EIPs standardize client API and RPC specifications. ERC (Ethereum Request for Comments) proposals define application-level standards like token specifications, including the widely-adopted ERC-20 and ERC-721 standards.
Meta and Informational EIPs
Meta EIPs propose improvements to Ethereum processes and governance procedures, requiring community consensus despite not affecting the protocol directly. Informational EIPs provide guidelines without proposing new features, serving as educational resources for the community.
The EIP Lifecycle Process
The EIP process follows a structured approach modeled after Bitcoin Improvement Proposals. Authors begin by drafting formal proposals with technical specifications and rationale. These undergo community review through discussion forums and peer feedback before entering the Last Call stage for final review. Successful proposals reach Final status and become implemented standards.
Understanding EIPs is crucial as they shape how applications interact with Ethereum. Recent proposals like EIP-1559 fundamentally changed gas fee structures, while EIP-3074 enables enhanced account abstraction features that improve user experiences for onchain applications.
Impact on Ecosystem Development
EIPs have driven major Ethereum evolution, from enabling new token standards to facilitating the transition from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake consensus. EIPs provide the standards and protocols that enable innovation across the broader Ethereum ecosystem.