Overview
An Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) is a design document proposing changes to the Ethereum protocol or standards. It is the process for evolving Ethereum. EIPs range from core protocol changes to application standards.
How It Works
An author submits an EIP describing a problem and solution. The community discusses and refines it through review stages. Accepted EIPs become part of the protocol or ecosystem standards.
Why It Matters
EIPs are how Ethereum evolves transparently and collaboratively. Standards like ERC-20 and EIP-1559 shaped the ecosystem. Understanding the process explains how protocol decisions are made.
Related Concepts
EIPs relate to Protocol Governance, ERC Standards, and Ethereum. They are the mechanism for Ethereum evolution.