Ethereum, a leading cryptocurrency and platform, powers decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts.
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Core Concepts
At its heart, Ethereum is a blockchain. This blockchain contains blocks of transactions. These transactions record changes to the “state” of Ethereum.
Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are self-executing agreements written in code. These contracts automatically enforce the terms of an agreement when conditions are met. They are stored on the Ethereum blockchain and executed by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
The EVM is the runtime environment for smart contracts in Ethereum. It executes the bytecode of smart contracts.
Staking
Staking involves locking up ETH in a smart contract to secure the network. Stakers earn rewards for their participation.
Decentralized Applications (dApps)
Ethereum enables the creation of dApps, which are applications that run on a decentralized network. These applications are not controlled by a single entity, making them more resistant to censorship and single points of failure.
Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
ENS provides human-readable names for Ethereum addresses, similar to how DNS works for websites. It simplifies interactions with the blockchain by replacing complex addresses with easy-to-remember names.
Transactions and Gas
Every action on the Ethereum network, including deploying smart contracts and sending ETH, requires a transaction. Each transaction consumes “gas,” a unit of measure for the computational effort required to execute the transaction. Users pay for gas in ETH.
Proof-of-Stake (PoS)
Ethereum transitioned from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) with “The Merge.” In PoS, validators stake ETH to have the opportunity to propose new blocks. This consensus mechanism is more energy-efficient than PoW.
Scalability
Scalability is a key challenge for Ethereum. Various solutions are being explored to increase transaction throughput and reduce gas fees, including Layer-2 scaling solutions like rollups.
Environmental Impact
The move to Proof-of-Stake has significantly reduced Ethereum’s environmental impact by eliminating the need for energy-intensive mining.
Ethereum’s innovative architecture, smart contract capabilities, and vibrant ecosystem have made it a leading platform for blockchain innovation. While challenges remain, the ongoing development and community support suggest a promising future for Ethereum.
