Verkle Tree

A Verkle tree is a next-generation data structure proposed as a replacement for Merkle trees in Ethereum. Verkle trees use vector commitments instead of hash-based commitments, which dramatically reduces the size of proofs needed to verify data. This means light nodes can verify blockchain state with much less data, improving scalability and enabling "stateless clients" that can validate blocks without storing the full state. Verkle trees are part of Ethereum's long-term roadmap (The Verge).