Ethereum is a blockchain platform open-source and decentralized that enables the creation decentralized apps (DApps) and smart contracts. It was created by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015.
Ethereum, like Bitcoin, uses a blockchain to store transactions and track them. Ethereum is different from Bitcoin in that it has key differences.
Ethereum is more than a digital currency. This is a major difference. It’s a platform that lets developers build and deploy decentralized applications. These applications are run on a distributed network of computers rather than a single server or central computer.
One of the most important features of Ethereum is smart contracts. A smart contract is an autonomously-executing contract where the terms of the agreement between seller and buyer are directly written in code. The blockchain stores the code and all the agreements within it, making them transparently and indestructible.
This allows automation of complex processes as well as the creation of new types financial instruments such stablecoins and tokenized assets. This allows the creation of decentralized autonomous organisations (DAOs), which can be decentralized networks that are able to make decisions and take action based on predetermined rules embedded in smart contracts.
The way transactions are processed is another major difference between Ethereum (BTC) and Ethereum. Bitcoin uses a proof of work (PoW), consensus algorithm to validate transactions, and then add them to the Blockchain. This requires complex math problems to solve, and this takes a lot of computing power and energy.
Ethereum uses a proof of-stake consensus algorithm. This system uses validators, also known as “stakers”, to verify transactions and add them onto the blockchain. The amount of cryptocurrency they have (or “stake”) in the network determines who is the “staker”. This is less energy-intensive and uses less computing power than PoW and helps protect the network from attacks.
Ethereum has a flexible programming language that is more flexible than Bitcoin. This allows for the creation and use of a wider variety of decentralized applications. Although Bitcoin’s programming language can only handle basic transactions, Ethereum’s Solidity programming language allows you to create smart contracts and DApps that are more complicated.
The block time is another key difference between Ethereum, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency networks. This refers to how long it takes to add a new block onto the blockchain. The block time in Bitcoin is about 10 minutes while it takes 15 seconds in Ethereum. This means transactions on the Ethereum network generally run faster and are more efficient than those on Bitcoin.
Ethereum has an economic model that is different from Bitcoin. The supply of Bitcoin is limited to 21 million coins. However, Ethereum’s supply is unlimited. Instead, the Ethereum network was designed to produce a certain amount of new coins every year. This helps to finance the development of the Ethereum network.
Ethereum is a decentralized platform which enables the creation and use of smart contracts as well as decentralized applications. It uses a PoS consensus algorithm which is more efficient than Bitcoin’s PoW algorithm. This allows for more flexibility in programming and a better use of energy. It has a shorter block time and uses a different economic model that allows for the creation new coins to help fund the development of Ethereum’s network.