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What is Ethereum?

What is Ethereum

 

What is Ethereum – A Comprehensive Overview of Its Technology, Purpose, and Impact on the Blockchain Ecosystem.

 

In this in-depth guide, you will learn:

 

  • What is Ethereum?
  • How does Ethereum Work?
  • Bitcoin vs Ethereum

 

and much, MUCH more!

 

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What is Ethereum – a Key Point Quick Overview

 

  1. ☑️ Overview
  2. ☑️ History of Ethereum
  3. ☑️ Ethereum vs. Bitcoin
  4. ☑️ In Conclusion
  5. ☑️ Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Overview

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, it features its cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH).

 

Key Features of Ethereum:

 

  • Self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, enabling automated and trustless transactions.
  • Applications that run on the Ethereum blockchain, free from a central authority, promote transparency and security.
  • A runtime environment that allows anyone to execute code in a secure and decentralized manner, making it possible for developers to create dApps.
  • Ethereum supports various token standards, such as ERC-20 for fungible tokens and ERC-721 for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling a wide range of applications.
  • Ethereum transitioned from a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to PoS with its Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, aiming to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency.

 

Ethereum has become a leading platform for blockchain innovation, powering projects across various sectors, including finance (DeFi), art (NFTs), and gaming.

 

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History of Ethereum

Vitalik Buterin, the visionary behind Ethereum, published a white paper outlining the concept in 2014. The Ethereum platform was officially launched in 2015, co-founded by Buterin and Joe Lubin, who is the founder of the blockchain software company ConsenSys.

The Ethereum founders were pioneers in recognizing the broader potential of blockchain technology beyond just facilitating secure virtual payments. Since its launch, Ether, the platform’s cryptocurrency, has ascended to become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, surpassed only by Bitcoin.

 

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How Does Ethereum Work?

 

Blockchain Technology

Ethereum operates on a blockchain, a distributed ledger where information is stored in interconnected blocks. Each block contains data from the previous one, forming a secure and unchangeable chain. Copies of this blockchain are maintained across the network.

Validators earn new Ether tokens for validating blocks. When a block is proposed, automated programs reach consensus on its validity, confirming it through a two-layer process. Once enough validators agree the block is finalized.

 

Proof-of-Stake Validation Process

Unlike proof-of-work, Ethereum’s proof-of-stake system eliminates energy-intensive mining. It employs a consensus mechanism called Gasper, which uses protocols like Casper-FFG and LMD Ghost. Validators stake 32 ETH to activate their role; smaller amounts can be staked in pools.

Validators create blocks and attest to their validity, broadcasting them for committee verification. Dishonest validators face penalties, including the burning of their staked ETH, effectively removing it from circulation.

 

Wallets

Ethereum users store their ether keys in digital wallets, which function like email addresses for sending ether. Wallets do not hold Ether directly; instead, they secure private keys necessary for transactions. Protecting these keys is crucial for accessing funds.

 

How Does Ethereum Work?

 

Ethereum vs. Bitcoin

Ethereum and Bitcoin are often compared, but they have key differences.

 

Purpose

Ethereum is referred to as “the world’s programmable blockchain,” allowing for the development of applications, whereas Bitcoin was designed solely as a digital payment method.

 

Supply

Bitcoin has a capped supply of 21 million coins. In contrast, Ethereum has no maximum supply, with over 120 million ETH in circulation as of May 2025, though the block processing time limits annual minting.

 

Transaction Fees

Transaction fees on Ethereum, called gas, are paid by users and burned by the network. In Bitcoin, transaction fees go to miners.

 

Consensus Mechanism

Ethereum utilizes a proof-of-stake system, while Bitcoin relies on the energy-intensive proof-of-work mechanism that requires miners to compete for rewards.

 

Ethereum vs. Bitcoin

 

In Conclusion

Ethereum stands out as a pioneering platform that extends beyond mere cryptocurrency, offering a programmable blockchain for decentralized applications. With its transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Ethereum has enhanced its efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Despite facing challenges such as competition with Bitcoin and historical events like the DAO hack, Ethereum’s ability to innovate, exemplified by upgrades like proto-dank sharding, positions it as a leader in the blockchain space.

As the ecosystem continues to evolve, Ethereum remains a critical player, fostering advancements in decentralized finance, smart contracts, and more.

 

You might also like:

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps).

 

Who created Ethereum?

Ethereum was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015, with key contributions from Joe Lubin and other developers.

 

What is ether (ETH)?

Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, used to facilitate transactions and power applications on the platform.

 

How does Ethereum differ from Bitcoin?

Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum is a programmable blockchain that allows developers to create and run dApps and smart contracts.

 

What is a smart contract?

A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms directly written into code, enabling automatic and trustless transactions.

 

What is proof-of-stake?

Proof-of-stake is a consensus mechanism that Ethereum adopted to validate transactions and create new blocks, requiring validators to stake ether rather than engage in energy-intensive mining.

 

What is the maximum supply of ETH?

Unlike Bitcoin, which has a capped supply of 21 million coins, there is no maximum limit to the amount of ether that can be created.

 

What are gas fees?

Gas fees are transaction fees paid by users on the Ethereum network to compensate validators for processing and validating transactions.

 

What was the DAO hack?

The DAO hack in 2016 resulted in the theft of over $50 million worth of ether, leading to a hard fork that split Ethereum into Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC).

 

What is the Dencun upgrade?

The Dencun upgrade, activated in March 2025, introduced proto-dank sharding, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of the Ethereum blockchain.

Author Details

Picture of Louis Schoeman

Louis Schoeman

Featured Forex and Stocks writer

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