Ethereum 101
This chapter is an introduction to the Ethereum blockchain. We will introduce the fundamentals and various theoretical concepts behind Ethereum. A discussion on the different components, protocols, and algorithms relevant to the Ethereum blockchain is also presented.
We cover different elements of Ethereum such as transactions, accounts, the world state, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), and the relevant protocols so that readers can develop strong technical foundations before exploring more advanced concepts in later chapters. The main topics we will explore in this chapter are as follows:
- The Ethereum network
- Components of the Ethereum ecosystem
- The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)
- Smart contracts
- Trading and investment
Let's begin with a brief overview of the foundation, architecture, and use of the Ethereum blockchain.