So, what does it do, and why should you care? We delve deeper. Be sure to also read our What is Bitcoin? feature to find out more about cryptocurrencies.
What is a blockchain?
Both Bitcoin and Ethereum use something called a blockchain network. These are decentralised databases spread across multiple servers online, all of which are constantly updated to keep in sync. The idea is to remove the kind of weak points in a system that are found on traditional setups, which can be taken down if the primary server is attacked. Another advantage is that the system doesn’t need to have owners, such as a central site which controls everything, but instead relies on peer-to-peer technologies to function. With millions of computers involved in the blockchain it also makes the system transparent, as so many copies of the information exist. For years Bitcoin has used blockchain technology to become the most talked about digital currency in the world. Now, Ethereum is beginning to put a new slant on the blockchain approach, which could see it surpass the previously unstoppable Bitcoin phenomena.
How is Ethereum different to Bitcoin?
While Bitcoin is pretty much just a cryptocurrency that can be used to buy and accept payments online, Ethereum offers a little bit more than that. Ethereum itself is an open source software platform that uses its own blockchain to allow users the ability to create contracts, crowd-source funding, and even set up their own secure social network .
So, what is Ethereum?
The idea is the brainchild of Vitalik Buterin, who was a co-founder of Bitcoin magazine. He describes Ethereum as being ‘specifically designed for people to build decentralised applications.’ The attraction of these style of apps is that they drastically reduce the costs and barriers to entry for developers, while also providing protection against censorship and manipulation from outside agents. Something that seems more important with every passing day.
Smart Contracts
One of the standout features in the software is Smart Contracts. With this tool users can agree terms with another party – for example, they’ll pay them 10 Ether (the currency in Ethereum) if a task in completed by a certain day – and encode these parameters into the contract. Then, if the goal is achieved, the funds will be automatically exchanged without the intervention of a middle-man, or with any party being able to back out or welch on the deal. Both users’ anonymity can also be persevered, keeping their deals away from nosey government agencies, despotic regimes, or corporate entities.
Making Money online
Another interesting way that Ethereum could be deployed is for organisations that want to create their own internal currencies. The Ethereum website describes this process as enabling developers to ‘create a tradeable digital token that can be used as a currency, a representation of an asset, a virtual share, a proof of membership or anything at all.
‘These tokens use a standard coin API, so your contract will be automatically compatible with any wallet, other contract or exchange also using this standard.’ So, in essence, a company could institute some sort of loyalty program which rewards customers with credit for certain accomplishments. This could also be a handy way for Kickstarter style initiatives, where creators issue shares or products in return for investment. All without needing to pay a percentage to the site hosting the campaign.
Social media and more
Using Ethereum’s blockchain, developers could also build social media websites and messaging systems that allowed users to retain control of their data. Plus, the decentralised, cryptographically secure platform could be used for financial exchanges; sharing hard disk space and unused computational power in your PC (some scientific research groups have already begun this); and even online voting. ‘As with all new platforms for innovation,’ Vitalik Buterin explains, ‘it’s not always easy to predict what they are going to be used for. ‘Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the modern internet as a whole are all a result of early developments in the worldwide web and Javascript, the programming language of the world wide web from the 1990s. ‘Similarly, by providing a universal programmable blockchain, and packaging it up into a client that anyone can use, the Ethereum project hopes to do the same for finance, peer-to-peer commerce, distributed governance, and human collaboration as a whole.’ Ethereum is a complicated concept in many ways, and this feature only gives a brief outline of the ideas and potential involved. To find out more about this exciting and revolutionary technology please visit the Ethereum website. Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
