What is Ethereum?
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source, and distributed blockchain network. This Ethereum blockchain network has a native cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH). In the cryptocurrency space, Ether is second to Bitcoin based on market capitalization. Like Bitcoin and all other decentralized blockchain networks, Ethereum uses cryptography for security. This feature of the Ethereum blockchain network makes it immutable, meaning the transactions can’t be altered once they go into a block.
In 2014, Vitalik Buterin, a programmer published his famous Ethereum Whitepaper. And a year later, the Ethereum blockchain network was launched.
Currently, we are using web2. But Ethereum has opened a door for next-generation internet or web3 due to its user-powered, decentralized nature and offers more control, anonymity, and freedom from censorship.
How Do Ethereum Smart Contracts Work?
One of the top features of Ethereum is Smart Contracts. Smart Contracts are self-executing programs. These programs execute automatically when certain digital requirements or contracts previously agreed upon are fulfilled. For instance, smart contracts can represent a legal or a financial contract, like a GPS-enabled truck upon reaching its destination automatically gets the payment. Meanwhile, the blockchain network safeguards the funds and the integrity of the smart contract.
Another value that Ethereum smart contracts offer is that they eliminate the need for intermediaries. The auto-executing program makes the job far easier for the paperwork-heavy. This is why Ethereum Smart Contracts are particularly being embraced in finance and insurance.
What is Ether (ETH)?
Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain. When Ethereum miners solve complex cryptographic computations and add new blocks to the blockchain, they get incentives in the form of Ether. On the Ethereum blockchain, a new block is added in every 15 seconds. Ether is like fuel for the Ethereum blockchain. It is exactly similar to how Bitcoin works.
Currently, Ethereum uses proof-of-work, the same as Bitcoin. However, there’s a plan to move to a technique called proof-of-stake to upgrade the Ethereum blockchain to Ethereum 2.0. The upgrade for Ethereum 2.0 took place in mid-September 2022. This upgrade reduced the energy footprint, decreased the network’s transactions, and significantly increased scalability.
6 Reasons to Invest in Ethereum?
- Has an extensive userbase
Roughly, there are 1 million transactions within Ethereum per day. That’s 10x more as compared to other cryptocurrencies like Cardano. Many investors, crypto enthusiasts even individual crypto investors are also choosing Ethereum as the crypto for long-term investment.
- Ethereum Second-best crypto in existence
There’s no doubt that after Bitcoin, everyone says Ethereum. It’s the second-best cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. Period. It has faster transaction time and is easier to mine than Bitcoin. Also, Ethereum cryptocurrency has the second largest market capitalization.
- Has large use cases
There are many applications of Ethereum. Users can use it as a payment, file storage, online advertising, loans, exchanges, and more.
- Innovative technology with better performance
Ethereum blockchain network is evolving. The application of Smart Contracts in Ethereum was an ingenious move by Vitalik Buterin. And now Ethreum 2.0 with proof-of-stake technology, has completely changed the landscape. It certainly reduced transaction time and increased scalability. Perhaps in the future, there will be more intriguing innovation with Ethereum.
- Lower Inflation Risk
The decentralized and immutable nature of the Ethereum blockchain makes it susceptible to tampering. It reduces the fear of decreasing Ether value in the long run.
- Earn Interest with Staking
An Ethereum can earn passively by staking their Ethereum in the network to help validate transactions. Similar to earning interest, a user will earn ETH as a reward. The more is the stake, the more is the earning.
Ethereum Transaction: How to Buy, Hold, Transfer, or Sell Ether (ETH)?
We have discussed what is Ethereum, Ether (ETH), how it works, and its use cases. Let’s learn how to buy Ethereum in 5 easy steps.
- Identify Cryptocurrency Exchange Platform
Do research and verify the best cryptocurrency exchange and trading platform. Some top and promising Ethereum buying platforms are Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp, Gemini, Binance, and Bitfinex.
- Create an Account
Now, join the crypto exchange by creating an account and verifying personal and financial information like banking by uploading them.
- Deposit Fiat Currency
Next, you must transfer fiat money into a cryptocurrency exchange account to buy ETH. You can start with as little as $5.
- Begin Trading
Now, with your verified account and deposited money, you can start trading and investing in Ethereum.
- Withdraw ETH into a Wallet
After buying ETH, you can withdraw through a bank account or a wallet that you control.
5 Best Ethereum Cryptocurrency Exchange
- Coinbase
Coinbase is World’s one of the greatest Ethereum Exchange platforms in 2024. It has a long-standing reputation for security and trading volume.
Binance continues to be one of the top Ethereum exchange platforms. Founded in 2017, it quickly got recognition for its trusted exchange among the trading pairs.
- Crypto.com
Crypto.com is the hottest domain name in the crypto space and its products and services back the name rightly. Their reputation and security are two sides of the same coin and they exceed user expectations while providing crypto exchange services.
- KuCoin
Kucoin is a crypto-only exchange which means, users have to deposit Ether to buy Ether. This Ethereum exchange does not support fiat currency. Isn’t that a good thing from a security perspective?
- Shakepay
ShakePay helps users to buy and sell Ethereum using both smartphones and desktops. This platform offers commission-free trading and a cryptoback debit card with excellent customer service.
Best Ethereum Digital Wallet
- Atomic Wallet
Atomic wallet supports 500+ coins and tokens and Ethereum is one of them. It has a main decentralized feature called Atomic Swap. It’s one of the popular wallets among crypto users and supports Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.
- Ledger Nano X
Ledger Nano X is a high-security cryptocurrency hardware wallet. It’s extremely well known among the ether crypto community and supports 1300+ crypto assets and tokens.
- Trezor Model T
Trezor is one the best hardware wallet for Ethereum cryptocurrency. It offers a touch screen and robust security features for smooth transactions.
- KeepKey
KeepKey is a hardware wallet with an extreme level of security. This Ethereum wallet supports more than 40 crypto assets.
- Exodus Wallet
Exodus is one of the best hot wallets for Ethereum cryptocurrency. It offers a downloadable desktop and mobile app with a simple and easy-to-use interface. It also offers hardware wallet compatibility.
The Bottom Line
As of 2024, Ethereum is one of the cryptocurrencies among thousands with more ability to innovate. Its security, transparency, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness are some of the top benefits that every crypto enthusiast talks about.
As a cryptocurrency, Ethereum is just getting started. If there’s a web3 revolution, then Ether will be the forefront currency for every user.
