What is crypto and Ethereum?
You may have heard about cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, and blockchain. This page will help you learn about what they are how they relate to Ethereum. And what is Ethereum anyway?
Bitcoin enables anyone to transfer money globally. Ethereum does too, and it enables anyone to create and agree on any kind of contract they can imagine. It’s both resilient and flexible: any computer program can run on Ethereum.
More on Ethereum basics
How do I use Ethereum?
Using Ethereum is like moving to a new place. Things will seem unfamiliar at first, and everyone moves for their own reasons. Despite this, the first thing you'll need are new keys. The software that creates and holds the keys to your new home is called a "wallet".
What is a wallet?
Wallets are like keyrings: they store what you need to get access to the places you value.
Find a wallet
We'll help you find the best wallet based on the features that matter to you.
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.
Stablecoins
Cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of a currency, commodity, or some other financial instrument.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
Represent ownership of unique items, from art to title deeds to concert tickets.
Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)
Enable new ways to coordinate work without a boss.
Emerging use cases
There are also other prominent industries being created or improved with Ethereum:
More on Ethereum use cases
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.
Learn about Ethereum the protocol
For users most interested in the technical part of the Ethereum network.
Ethereum roadmap
Ethereums roadmap make it more scalable, secure, and sustainable.
Ethereum Whitepaper
The original Ethereum proposal written by Vitalik Buterin in 2014.
More on the Ethereum protocol
Learn about Ethereum the community
The success of Ethereum is thanks to its incredibly dedicated community. Thousands of inspiring and driven people help push Ethereum’s vision forward. Come and join us!
How can I get involved?
You (yes, you!) are welcome to contribute to the Ethereum community.
Online communities
Online communities provide a great opportunity to ask more specific questions or get involved.
Books and podcasts
Books about Ethereum and Cryptocurrencies
- 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
- The Age of Cryptocurrency(opens in a new tab) January 12, 2016 - Paul Vigna, Michael J. Casey
- The Truth Machine(opens in a new tab) February 27, 2018 - Paul Vigna, Michael J. Casey
- Digital Gold(opens in a new tab) May 24, 2021 - Nathaniel Popper
- Kings of Crypto(opens in a new tab) December 15, 2020 - Jeff John Roberts
- 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 and Cryptocurrencies
- Bankless(opens in a new tab) A guide to Crypto finance
- Uncommon Core(opens in a new tab) Explores the transformative nature of trust-minimized currency and financial services
- Zero Knowledge(opens in a new tab) Goes deep into the tech that will power the emerging decentralized web and the community building this
- Epicenter(opens in a new tab) Explores the technical, economic, and social implications of the Crypto industry
- 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 thorniest topics in crypto, such as regulation, security and privacy
- Into the Bytecode(opens in a new tab) A podcast about the ideas shaping crypto
- The Daily Gwei(opens in a new tab) Ethereum news recaps, updates and analysis