As blockchain networks evolve, the need for better user experience (UX), developer flexibility, and secure transaction execution becomes ever more pressing. Two notable innovations are shaping this transformation: Sui Network’s Programmable Transaction Blocks (PTBs) and Ethereum EIP-7702 proposal. While both aim to enhance how transactions are processed, their approaches differ significantly.
What Are PTBs and Why Are They Unique?
Sui’s Programmable Transaction Blocks (PTBs) introduce a way to group multiple actions into a single transaction. If any part of that group fails, the entire transaction is reverted. This “all-or-nothing” approach mirrors principles from distributed systems and ensures greater reliability and predictability. Developers no longer need to worry about partial execution, which can introduce bugs or inconsistencies.
Unlike traditional blockchain transaction models, PTBs allow developers to chain logic and make guarantees about how and when certain actions occur. For example, one transaction could include sending tokens, updating a smart contract state, and logging an event. If any of these fails, the rest are automatically undone. This not only simplifies debugging, but also creates trustworthy transaction flows.
Ethereum’s EIP-7702: A Step Forward in Account Abstraction
Ethereum’s EIP-7702, co-authored by Vitalik Buterin, aims to improve Ethereum’s account system by allowing temporary smart contract functionality on regular user accounts (Externally Owned Accounts, or EOAs). This proposal does not overhaul Ethereum’s architecture but adds a temporary smart contract field to EOAs, making it easier to incorporate smart contract features without changing the base account type.
In practice, EIP-7702 enhances compatibility and flexibility while remaining within Ethereum’s existing infrastructure. It’s an evolutionary step that improves account abstraction, letting users temporarily act like smart contracts during a transaction, ideal for tasks like batching or more secure token transfers.
Clean Slate vs Evolution: Two Design Philosophies
The biggest difference between PTBs and EIP-7702 lies in philosophy. Sui has built its system from the ground up, opting for a clean-slate design that prioritises flexibility and future scalability. PTBs are not retrofitted into an older structure; they’re designed with modern Web3 needs in mind. This makes Sui’s transaction system more adaptable for next-gen dApps, which may demand complex, atomic operations.
Ethereum, on the other hand, is deeply committed to maintaining backward compatibility. EIP-7702 extends the current model rather than replacing it. This helps Ethereum avoid disrupting existing applications, though it also means some constraints remain.
Developer and UX Impacts
Both innovations aim to improve blockchain UX and developer experience, but in different ways. Sui PTBs provide more fine-grained control over transaction logic, which reduces unexpected errors and increases security. Developers have more tools to design seamless, complex workflows without worrying about partial failure states.
EIP-7702 provides a simpler transition path for Ethereum developers. It introduces smart contract-like behaviour for EOAs, which could reduce the friction of moving to account abstraction. The change is easier to adopt but less powerful compared to Sui’s PTB model.
Sui and Ethereum are addressing similar challenges from different angles. Sui’s PTBs showcase what’s possible when a blockchain is designed from scratch with modern programmability and user experience at the core. Ethereum’s EIP-7702, by contrast, reflects the pragmatic need to upgrade without breaking a highly active ecosystem.
Both approaches contribute meaningfully to blockchain’s evolution. Sui offers a glimpse into the future of scalable, developer-friendly blockchains, while Ethereum’s careful progress ensures long-term stability and community trust. As these designs mature, users and developers alike stand to benefit from faster, safer, and more reliable blockchain interactions.
