Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency in the world, currently has a market cap of $198 billion. Ethereum has a market capitalization of more than 17% in the entire %1.2 trillion crypto market worldwide.
Founded by Vitalik Buterin and Gavin Wood in 2015, this blockchain network is gaining massive traction. The platform was created to focus on aspects that Bitcoin lacked actively. Unlike Bitcoin, which only serves as a store of value, Ethereum intends to provide customers with a global, decentralized blockchain platform with numerous apps.
In this article, you will be enlightened with everything you need to know about Ethereum. If you want to know more about the highly advanced features of Ethereum, visit inventiva.co.in
1. What Exactly Is Ethereum?
In technical terms or the terms of crypto, Ethereum can only be defined as a global, decentralized blockchain platform that offers quick and safe money transactions and supports various applications. The platform is equipped with top-notch technology that allows thousands of games, financial apps, web browsing software, identity management systems, supply chain systems, etc., to be run on the top of the network.
2. How Does Ethereum Work?
Ethereum runs on the principle of both public and decentralized ledgers. This means that every single transaction made on the network is efficiently verified and recorded with the use of a safe and effective network security system, cryptography.
The platform provides its users with a transparent transaction system. Every user is entitled to the details of a transaction, including the transactions made in the past. Additionally, no one can alter or modify a transaction’s details on the blockchain system.
In addition to this, the blockchain platform has a wide range of distributed ledger holders. This means that every person participating in the network has an identical copy that lets them see all transactions.
By being a decentralized blockchain network, the platform ensures that a specific individual or entity does not operate the apps and software. Rather, it is in the hands of every distributed ledger holder to manage or alter any app.
3. What Is The Difference Between Ether And Ethereum?
In simplest terms, Ether can be understood as the cryptocurrency used on the Ethereum platform. Users can use Ether (ETH) to exchange, trade, invest, or even store assets on the platform. Ethereum is a host to more than 6000 decentralized apps (DApps) and is the base foundation for several crypto trading platforms, decentralized finance (Defi) protocols, and NFT markets.
The distinctive aspect of Ethereum is that it supports and allows the trading of other cryptocurrencies, including Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken, to buy ETH.
Additionally, Ethereum has launched a unique feature known as self-executing contracts or smart contracts. These contracts are made between two interested parties that agree to deliver products and services in the future. However, in such contracts, the intervention of lawyers is not essential. The documentation of the contract takes place on the blockchain platforms and executes on its own in the future.
4. How Can A Person Buy Ethereum?
The process of buying Ether involves three fundamental steps; choosing a cryptocurrency platform, depositing fiat money, and then finally buying Ether. Here is the list of steps required to buy Ether.
- Choosing A Cryptocurrency Exchange Platform- the first step is to choose a crypto exchange and trading platforms like Coinbase or Kraken. One can also use online brokerage systems like Robinhood or SoFi to get started with common cryptocurrencies.
- Depositing Fiat Money- To fund your Ether purchase, you can deposit cash or directly link your bank account to the trading platform.
- Buying Ether- You can use the funds you’ve added to your account to buy additional assets and Ether at the current Ethereum pricing. Now, you can choose to retain the coins, sell them, or exchange them for other cryptocurrencies in the future. If you sell or trade cryptocurrencies, be aware that you can owe taxes.
5. Benefits Of Ethereum
Here is a list of a few benefits experienced by enterprises.
- Rapid Placement- One of the most beneficial aspects of Ethereum is that new enterprises do not have to start from square one when establishing an app or software on the platform. Individuals or organizations can easily create and establish private blockchain networks using SaaS programs.
- Safe & Private Transactions- Although Ethereum is a public platform, it allows a specific group of people to view and moderate the transaction details of a business. It keeps personal details encrypted.
- Tokenization- On Ethereum, tokenization is possible for any object with a digitally documented ownership record. By tokenizing assets, businesses can expand their brand portfolio, fractionalize once monumental assets, and create new incentive models.
6. Some Lesser Known Facts About Ethereum
Despite being tremendously popular worldwide, there are a few lesser-known facts about Ethereum. Here is a short list of such facts.
- Crowdfunded Blockchain Network- Initially, the co-founder of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, did not have enough money to invest in the contraction and technology of Ethereum. He and his co-founders opted for the crowdfunding method, which resulted in a collection of the required funds within a few months (July-August 2014).
- Ethereum Had 8 Co-founders- Initially, Ethereum had eight co-founders, named Vitalik Buterin, Mihai Alise, Anthony Di Iorio, Amir Chetrit, Charles Hoskinson, Gavin Wood, Jeffrey Wilcke, and Joseph Lubin. However, only Buterin is actively working on the growth of Ethereum.
- Current Version Is Not The Original One- During a hard fork in 2016, Ethereum evolved into what we know today. Ethereum Classic is the very first iteration of the blockchain and is still operational today.
Conclusion
With no second thoughts, Ethereum is one of the world’s most reliable and trusted cryptocurrency trading platforms. It has significantly maintained its position and advanced-level working throughout the years. However, the cryptocurrency market tends to have an unpredictable nature. In order to see good investment results, one must carefully analyze the market. Additionally, if one has a keen interest in long-term investments, Ethereum might be the ideal choice for them.
