Blockchain, Crypto and DeFi

Chapter 2Ethereum: The “Windows” to the Blockchain Universe—Now Loading Smart Contracts and Oracle Magic

Preface

Ethereum and Bitcoin are like the A-list celebrities of the crypto world. Bitcoin is the OG, the granddaddy of all cryptocurrencies. It’s like that classic rock band that paved the way for everyone else. It’s a bit old-school, sticking to its roots, which is basically a fancy way of saying it doesn’t do much more than just sit there and be valuable. Bitcoin is like the strong, silent type at a party—doesn’t talk much, just stands in the corner looking cool, and gets asked to take a selfie with everyone.

Ethereum, on the other hand, is the life of the party. It’s the guy who’s got all the gadgets, can juggle, do card tricks, and somehow knows everyone’s name. Ethereum took the blockchain concept and said, “What if we put a whole app store on this thing?” It’s not just about digital gold; it’s about smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and a whole lot of other things that Bitcoin never signed up for. So, if Bitcoin is the Mona Lisa, Ethereum is like the Louvre—a place where you find everything from ancient sculptures to modern art.

Ethereum is always evolving, like a software update that actually works. Ethereum’s move from proof of work (PoW) to proof of stake (PoS) is like trading in a diesel-powered monster truck for a Tesla: still plenty of power but now with less noise and environmental impact. It’s about as dramatic as moving from a bustling ...