Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of the network, stated this Thursday that Ethereum is analogous to the Linux operating system. The expert highlighted that the Ethereum layer 2 network ecosystem allows for massive customization for the exchange of value. This comparison highlights the Ethereum Foundation’s long-term vision of becoming the decentralized operating system for the Internet in 2026.
Vitalik Buterin explained in detail that open source is the fundamental basis of both technologies. Linux brings value to billions of people worldwide without compromising its original essence of decentralization. Likewise, Ethereum seeks to replicate this success through its modular architecture focused on high technical and social efficiency.
Therefore, decentralization remains as the fundamental pillar of this digital evolution that we are currently experiencing. In this way, an unprecedented global collaboration environment is fostered among developers.
Currently, there are 127 scaling solutions actively operating within this dynamic and changing digital environment. Buterin insists that the base layer must always function as a reliable financial home. The network must guarantee a high level of autonomy for all individuals and international organizations.
Also, full access to the power of the digital network must occur without relying on expensive third-party intermediaries. Therefore, Ethereum positions itself as a global social infrastructure with a great impact in the twenty-first century.
However, the development strategy focused on these secondary solutions has generated very significant internal tensions. Some critics suggest that secondary networks cannibalize the base layer revenues following the recent Dencun update.
This technical improvement, originally implemented in March 2024, drastically reduced all transaction costs. Therefore, the financial sustainability of the base protocol is debated by various financial experts in the sector. In this way, the need arises to balance growth with operational profitability.
The path toward a decentralized and efficient global operating system
Additionally, Anurag Arjun, co-founder of Polygon, recently highlighted the operational virtues of this technological roadmap. The modular architecture allows multiple teams to experiment with different execution environments and highly variable block times. In this way, technological development is significantly accelerated within today’s competitive cryptographic industry. However, the strategic use of the blockchain must always be accompanied by fluid and constant integration.
On the other hand, liquidity fragmentation represents a critical challenge for the future growth of the network. If real interoperability does not exist, the end-user experience will be harmed by the creation of isolated silos. Therefore, connecting these diverse execution environments is vital to maintain the efficiency of invested capital. Likewise, avoiding trapped liquidity pools is a top priority for developers of advanced digital infrastructure today.
Will interoperability manage to avoid liquidity fragmentation in the network?
Regarding future perspectives, the Ethereum Foundation seeks to finally consolidate a universal operating system. This advanced system will allow for distributed computing and financial risk transfer without physical borders. Achieving consensus on the Internet in a decentralized way is the ultimate goal of this great technological vision. On the other hand, Ethereum will facilitate the transfer of value globally in a much more transparent and secure way for everyone.
Finally, the analogy with Linux underscores the unwavering commitment to openness and digital freedom. Investors must carefully observe how today’s interoperability challenges are resolved. The success of the secondary layers will define the future of the main network in the very long term. Therefore, technical adaptability will be the key to leadership in the changing global technology market we face today. The network continues to evolve to fulfill its original promise.
