Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform which is open-source and most actively used. Its currency is Ether represented by ETH. Many may consider Ethereum just as any other bitcoin. But it is much more than a virtual coin. As per market capitalization, it is the second largest crypto. Let’s get to know more about Ethereum.
It is an open-source platform making use of blockchain technology to develop and run ‘dapps’ or decentralized digital-based applications that allow users to make agreements is known as Ethereum. Furthermore, Ethereum allows users to conduct transactions between themselves without a middle man.
For example, to transfer money, the users can avoid the banking system, or for drawing a sales contract, users can not avail the services of a lawyer. Also, for introducing a newly formed fundraising website, users can use Ethereum instead of going through an internet site.
A supercomputer is organized by joining several networks of computers to work simultaneously to operate globally. This network merges and runs smart contracts. When applications theoretically do not depend on any third-party censorship or interference, it is known as a smart contract. Smart contracts are used because the blockchain remains unaffected when tampered with. The benefit of running programmed smart contracts is to reduce the risk of fraud and execute contracts produced in a digital format. As soon as all the terms and conditions are met, the buyer is immediately given access to the merchandise.
In 2012, the father of a 17-year-old boy, Vitalik Buterin, introduced him to bitcoin. Soon, he began showing great interest in the technology associated with bitcoin. Gradually, Vitalik became a daily writer in the ‘Bitcoin Magazine’ and began giving suggestions for improving the bitcoin mechanism. When he noticed his suggestions were unheard of, he decided to create his cryptocurrency.
In 2015, he launched Ethereum into the cryptocurrency industry. Right from its inception, the price of ETH has only risen. At present, it has a ‘market cap’ of $44.7bn which means, $44.7bn is the exact value of the ETHG currency that is present in the world today. Vitalik believes that Ethereum has the true potential to bring a change in the world today.
Although there are several cryptocurrencies, why should you choose Ethereum over others. Well, this is a valid question. The features of Ethereum, rather, its qualities, will give you the answer. Here are the features that make Ethereum different from the rest.
The cryptocurrency of Ethereum is ether or ETH. To put it correctly, ETH is the fuel to run the entire Ethereum network. Ether is used for two primary purposes – first, it pays for the computational resources, and second, it pays while any transaction has taken place using the Ethereum network. Similar to bitcoin, Ethereum is a peer-to-peer currency.
Besides paying for transactions, Ethereum is also used to purchase gas which can be reused when the computation of any transaction is made using the Ethereum network. Further, if you wish to arrange for any contract on Ethereum, you will require gas, for which you need to pay in ether. Further, ether helps users to build smart contracts, decentralized applications, etc.
Smart contracts are changing the working procedure of the traditional ones. A smart computer program that eases the process of exchanging valuable assets between two parties is known as smart contracts. The valuable asset can be shares, money, property, or any digital asset that you wish to exchange. Anyone on the Ethereum network can create smart contracts.
Generally, the terms and conditions to which both the parties agree are contained in these smart contracts. The main feature of a smart contract is once it is accomplished, it cannot be changed. Again, the transactions done as per the terms of the smart contract cannot be changed. Instead, it gets registered permanently in the network.
The primary function of an EVM or Ethereum virtual machine is to operate as a runtime environment for deploying and combining smart contracts based on the Ethereum network. It can be said that EVM is like an engine that comprehends the demands of the smart contract. These smart contracts are written in solidity language for Ethereum.
EVM operates in a sandbox environment. This means the stand-alone environment that you have deployed allows you to test your smart contracts an uncountable number of times to verify them until you are satisfied. Once you are satisfied with these smart contracts’ functionality and performance, they are ready to be deployed on the Ethereum network.
The working of decentralized applications is similar to the working of traditional applications but with a slight difference. When you log in to a decentralized application, it leads you to an API based on smart contract to look for the blockchain network’s required information. Here, the API is replaced by a smart contract interface that will bring back-end data from the blockchain network.
Here, the blockchain network is a decentralized network where all the participants using the network verify the transactions executed via smart contract on the blockchain network. The backing code of Dapp runs only on a peer-to-peer network that is distributed.
A digital organization that works without hierarchical management in a democratic and decentralized fashion is known as a decentralized autonomous organization or DAO. In simple words, in a DAO, the decision-making power is not the responsibility of a centralized authority but in the hands of specific designated groups or authorities or people who work as a single entity.
DAOs depend on smart contracts for making decisions and exist on a blockchain network. It is managed by the protocols engraved in a smart contract like a decentralized voting system that works from within the organization.
To incorporate Ethereum into your investing, it is essential to pick out the best trading platform that suits your needs. Some of the top platforms include Kraken, Coinbase, Gemini, Bitstamp, Binance, etc. When you choose a cryptocurrency trading platform, one of the most significant considerations should be to pay attention to the type of exchange. However, this provides you a significant market opportunity and enhances the risk of getting stuck into some fraudulent business.
After you have decided to work with Ethereum, your next step should be to open an account. For this, you will need to provide your name, address, specified forms of identification, social security number, etc. The final step of the account opening process is verification which can be done in one or more ways.
Next, you need to deposit currency into your account. This step becomes easier if you have a fiat currency platform. Use your bank account to add money. However, the deposition of money through C2C exchanges can be a bit challenging. Here, you need to deposit currency via a code from one place to another. Once you are done depositing the money, you can purchase Ethereum.
After reading this guide, if you decide to purchase some ether, go ahead. It is one of the most trustworthy platforms of cryptocurrencies that is sure to yield you profits.
| Founded in | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Founded by | Vitalik Buterin, Anthony Di, Charles Hoskinson, Mihai Alisie, Amir Chetrit, Joseph Lubin, Gavin Wood, & Jeffrey Wilcke |
| Total Supply | 115,654,157 |