Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has expressed that the biggest technical risk for Ethereum currently may be the existence of code errors, and AI clearly has the potential to assist in optimizing Ethereum in the future.
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Vitalik emphasizes the feasibility of integrating AI and blockchain
Mixed opinions on AI programming and bug detection
Vitalik’s tweet states:
One of the AI applications that excites me is AI-assisted code verification and bug detection. Currently, the biggest technical risk for Ethereum is errors in the code, and any method that can significantly change the rules of the game is remarkable.
Vitalik previously wrote an article proposing four categories for the integration of AI and blockchain.
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Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin’s article: Prospects and Challenges of AI and Blockchain Integration
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However, the accuracy of AI in debugging code vulnerabilities seems to have mixed opinions.
Mixed opinions on AI programming and bug detection
In July 2023, blockchain security institution OpenZeppelin conducted an experiment using GPT-4 to identify Solidity smart contracts, and GPT-4 only identified 20 out of 28 vulnerabilities.
GPT-4 even described a vulnerability that did not actually exist. Kang Li, the security director of CertiK, a security institution, commented on this:
Writing code through AI tools like ChatGPT often creates more security issues instead.
He suggests that AI should only serve as an “assistant” to code engineers, which can significantly improve efficiency.
Previously, Coinbase executive Conor Grogan used GPT-4 to debug and quickly identify a vulnerability in a smart contract that was attacked by hackers in 2018. He believes that AI will ultimately make smart contracts safer and easier to build.
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Helping to prevent hackers! Coinbase executive: GPT-4 can real-time check vulnerabilities in Ethereum smart contracts
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AI
GPT-4
Vitalik Buterin
Further reading:
Vitalik explains the four roles in the cryptocurrency ecosystem: unraveling the mysteries of motivation and symbiosis
Vitalik’s declaration of adulthood: a reflection on turning 30 “My childhood is over”