What is Ethereum Name Service?

Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a decentralized, open, and extensible naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain. Launched in May 2017, ENS translates complex Ethereum addresses and other machine-readable identifiers into human-readable names, simplifying interactions with blockchain resources. For example, it allows users to replace a long Ethereum address like "0x3a3b..." with a simple name such as "yourname.eth". This enhances user experience and reduces errors in transactions and interactions within the Ethereum ecosystem.

How is Ethereum Name Service useful?

ENS makes blockchain interactions more user-friendly by mapping human-readable names to Ethereum addresses, IPFS content, and other decentralized resources. This eliminates the need to handle complex cryptographic addresses, making it easier to send and receive cryptocurrencies, access decentralized websites, and integrate with dApps. ENS names also support multi-chain compatibility, allowing users to manage multiple crypto addresses under a single domain.

How does Ethereum Name Service work?

ENS functions through a hierarchical system of domains, where domain owners have full control over subdomains. It consists of two main components: the ENS registry and resolvers. The ENS registry is a smart contract that maintains ownership records, while resolvers translate ENS names into corresponding addresses or content. When a user enters an ENS name, the system queries the registry to find the resolver, which then provides the linked data, enabling seamless and efficient blockchain navigation.

Ethereum Name Service milestones

Launch of ENS: Introduced in 2017, establishing a decentralized naming system on Ethereum.

DNS Domain Integration: Enabled traditional domain names to link with ENS for crypto transactions.

ENS Token Airdrop: Launched governance token in 2021, distributing it to .eth domain holders and forming a DAO.

Expanded Ecosystem: Partnered with wallets and platforms to drive adoption across DeFi and Web3.

ENS continues to improve blockchain accessibility, making decentralized applications and services more intuitive and user-friendly.

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