Three Levels of Editability
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently responded to a discussion on whether state and data are equivalent. He pointed out that while state can fundamentally be seen as a form of data, the key difference lies in the varying levels of editability.
The first level is a simple append-only structure, like a log file. It only allows new content to be added at the end, without the ability to modify existing data.
Mid and High-Level Structures Compared
The second level is a linear list structure that supports in-place modifications of existing data, such as adjusting values at specific positions. This capability brings greater flexibility to the system.
The highest level is a key-value storage structure, which allows each user to create new values at any position. This advanced level of editability forms the foundation of many decentralized applications.
Practical Implications of State and Data
- Simple structures are ideal for recording historical data
- Mid-level structures suit scenarios requiring frequent updates
- Complex structures are essential for building decentralized systems
Understanding these distinctions helps developers choose the right state management approach, optimizing system performance and security.