What is Ethereum?
Cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, enable anyone to transfer money globally. Ethereum does too, but it can also run code that enables people to create apps and organizations. It’s both resilient and flexible: any computer program can run on Ethereum. Learn more and find out how to get started:
What is Ethereum?
If you are new, start here to learn why Ethereum matters.
What is Ethereum?
What is ETH?
Ether (ETH) is the currency powering the Ethereum network and apps.
What is ETH?
What is Web3?
Web3 is a model for the internet valuing ownership of your assets and identity.
What is Web3?
More on Ethereum basics
How do I use Ethereum?
Using Ethereum can mean lots of things to lots of people. Maybe you want to sign in to an app, prove your online identity, or transfer some ETH. The first thing you'll need is an account. The easiest way to create and access an account is using software called a wallet.
What is a wallet?
Digital wallets are like real wallets; they store what you need to prove your identity and get access to the places you value.
What is a wallet?
Find a wallet
Browse wallets based on the features that matter to you.
List of wallets
Things to consider when using Ethereum
- Each Ethereum transaction requires a fee in the form of ETH, even if you need to move different tokens built on Ethereum like the stablecoins USDC or DAI.
- Fees can be high depending on the number of people trying to use Ethereum, so we recommend using Layer 2s.
More on using Ethereum
What is Ethereum used for?
Ethereum has led to the creation of new products and services that can improve different areas of our lives. We're still in the early stages but there's a lot to be excited about.
Decentralized finance (DeFi)
Explore an alternative financial system that is built without banks and is open to anyone.
What is DeFi?
Stablecoins
Cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of a currency, commodity, or some other financial instrument.
What are stablecoins?
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
Represent ownership of unique items, from art to title deeds to concert tickets.
What are NFTs?
Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)
Enable new ways to coordinate work without a boss.
What are DAOs?
Decentralized applications (dapps)
Create digital economy of peer-to-peer services.
Explore dapps
Emerging use cases
There are also other prominent industries being created or improved with Ethereum:
- Decentralized identity
- Decentralized social networks
- DeSci - Decentralized science
- Play-to-earn games (P2E)(opens in a new tab)
- Fundraising through Quadratic Funding(opens in a new tab)
- Supply chain management(opens in a new tab)
Strengthen the Ethereum network
You can help secure Ethereum and earn rewards at the same time by staking your ETH. There are different options for staking depending on your technical knowledge and how much ETH you have.
Staking Ethereum
Learn how to start staking your ETH.
Start staking
Run a node
Play a critical role in the Ethereum network by running a node.
Run a node
Learn about the Ethereum protocol
For users most interested in the technical part of the Ethereum network.
Energy consumption
How much energy does Ethereum use?
Is Ethereum green?
Ethereum roadmap
Ethereums roadmap make it more scalable, secure, and sustainable.
Explore the roadmap
Ethereum Whitepaper
The original Ethereum proposal written by Vitalik Buterin in 2014.
Read whitepaper
More on the Ethereum protocol
Learn about the Ethereum community
The success of Ethereum is thanks to its incredibly dedicated community. Thousands of inspiring and driven people help push Ethereum’s vision forward, while also providing security to the network through staking and governance. Come and join us!
Community hub
Our community includes people from all backgrounds.
Explore more
How can I get involved?
You (yes, you!) are welcome to contribute to the Ethereum community.
How can I get involved?
Online communities
Online communities provide a great opportunity to ask more specific questions or get involved.
Explore communities
Books and podcasts
Books about Ethereum
- The Cryptopians(opens in a new tab) February 22, 2022 - Laura Shin
- Out of the Ether(opens in a new tab) September 29, 2020 - Matthew Leising
- The Infinite Machine(opens in a new tab) July 14, 2020 - Camila Russo
- Mastering Ethereum(opens in a new tab) December 23, 2018 – Andreas M. Antonopoulos, Gavin Wood Ph.D.
- Proof of Stake(opens in a new tab) September 13, 2022 - Vitalik Buterin, Nathan Schneider
Podcasts about Ethereum
- Green Pill(opens in a new tab) Explores the crypto-economic systems that create positive externalities for the world
- Zero Knowledge(opens in a new tab) Goes deep into the tech that will power the emerging decentralized web and the community building this
- Unchained(opens in a new tab) Dives deep into the people building the decentralized internet, the details of this technology that could underpin our future, and some of the thornie*st topics in crypto, such as regulation, security and privacy
- The Daily Gwei(opens in a new tab) Ethereum news recaps, updates and analysis
- Bankless(opens in a new tab) A guide to Crypto finance
