What is Ethereum? Beginner & Investor Guide

‘Ethereum’ powers thousands of dapps, billions in digital assets, and is often called the ‘world computer.’ But what is ethereum, and why do millions use it daily? If you’re new to crypto, you’ve probably heard “Ethereum” alongside Bitcoin, but this next-gen blockchain does far more than payments. In this complete guide, you’ll discover Ethereum’s core idea, what makes it different from Bitcoin, how smart contracts and dapps work, and practical steps for buying, staking, and securing ETH—especially on platforms like OKX. We’ll also explore fees, major upgrades, key risks, and what’s ahead. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or starting your investment journey, this article breaks down everything you need to know about Ethereum in 2024.

Ethereum in a Nutshell (ELI5 Box)

Imagine Ethereum as a global app store that anyone can use or build on—without a company running it. If Bitcoin is “digital gold,” Ethereum is more like a smartphone, powering apps (dapps) that handle everything from banking to collectibles. ETH, its currency, is how you pay and participate in this system. People use Ethereum to send funds, access DeFi apps, collect NFTs, and even join new kinds of organizations. In short: Ethereum is a digital platform and cryptocurrency that lets anyone create or use unstoppable apps and smart contracts, secured by thousands of computers worldwide.

💡 Pro Tip: Get started on Ethereum in seconds with OKX's easy buy tools and app-based onboarding.

What is Ethereum?

At its core, Ethereum is both a decentralized blockchain platform and a digital currency (ETH coin). Unlike Bitcoin, which mainly tracks who owns what coins, Ethereum was designed so developers can build and deploy smart contracts—automated programs that live on the blockchain. These contracts power everything from lending services to digital art markets, all running without middlemen.

Ethereum was proposed in 2013 by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015 by a team including Buterin, Gavin Wood, and Joseph Lubin. ETH (also called "Ether") is its native coin, used for paying fees and services on the network. As of early 2024, Ethereum processes over a million transactions per day, supports thousands of apps, and has a market cap often second only to Bitcoin.

• Ethereum the platform: A programmable blockchain for apps, contracts, and organizations.
• Ether (ETH): The cryptocurrency used to pay for transactions, fees (gas), and as an investment asset.

Key stats:

• Launch date: July 2015
• Creators: Vitalik Buterin (lead), Gavin Wood, Joseph Lubin
• Active users: Over 1 million daily
• Market cap: Consistently $200B+

OKX supports ETH trading and many Ethereum-based coins and tokens, giving beginners and investors a trusted platform to start.

How Does the Ethereum Blockchain Work?

Ethereum’s blockchain is an open, decentralized database, run by thousands of computers (“nodes”) worldwide. It records every transaction, smart contract, and balance, making tampering nearly impossible. What sets Ethereum apart is the **Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)**—a global computer where anyone can run code (smart contracts) exactly as programmed.

The basics:

• Every action on Ethereum costs a fee (paid in ETH) to prevent spam
• Decentralized nodes ensure transparency and zero downtime

Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS)

Originally, Ethereum used proof-of-work (like Bitcoin) to secure the network. In 2022, it switched to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) via “The Merge.” This means people can lock up ETH (staking) to help validate transactions and earn rewards. PoS is more energy-efficient and allows for network upgrades aimed at scalability.

Smart Contracts Explained

Think of smart contracts like vending machines: put in ETH, push a button, get exactly what you paid for—no human needed. These self-executing digital agreements power Ethereum apps, from lending platforms to NFT marketplaces. Once launched, they run as coded, no take-backs—making them trustless and automated.

A Short History of Ethereum

Ethereum began as Vitalik Buterin’s vision for a more useful blockchain. After a 2014 crowd sale, Ethereum’s mainnet went live in July 2015. Early on, it enabled more complex applications than Bitcoin—quickly attracting developer talent and users.

Major events:

• 2016: The DAO Hack. A bug in a pioneering investment DAO contract led to a $60M hack. To recover, most of the community agreed to reverse the hack by upgrading the chain, resulting in a split. The original chain continues as Ethereum Classic (ETC), while the new chain is today’s Ethereum (ETH).
• 2022: The Merge. Ethereum transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, massively reducing energy use and setting the stage for future upgrades like sharding.

Today, Ethereum is home to major DeFi projects, NFT platforms, and a growing ecosystem of Layer 2 solutions for speed and scale.

Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: Key Differences

For many, the big crypto question is “Ethereum vs Bitcoin—which is better?” The answer depends on use case and goals: Bitcoin is designed for secure, digital, scarce money. Ethereum adds programmability, enabling apps and automated contracts.

OKX allows you to buy, sell, or earn both ETH and BTC, making it easy to diversify with the world’s top two cryptocurrencies.

What Can You Do With Ethereum? (Use Cases & Dapps)

Ethereum lets you do far more than send money. Its smart contracts have unlocked a world of decentralized finance (DeFi), unique digital collectibles (NFTs), and new forms of governance—called DAOs.

Top use cases:

• DeFi apps: Lend, borrow, swap, earn interest without a bank (e.g., Uniswap, MakerDAO)
• NFTs: Own unique digital art, game items, music (e.g., OpenSea)
• DAOs: Join digital organizations for collective investment or operations (e.g., Friends with Benefits)
• Stablecoins: Use tokens like USDC or DAI for dollar-pegged payments/run businesses
• Tokenization: Launch your own coins or assets

To use Ethereum, you’ll need a crypto wallet and can interact directly with dapps or via exchanges. OKX gives direct access to top dapps, tokens, and a secure marketplace for ETH and other assets.

💡 Pro Tip: Explore DeFi apps and NFT markets easily via the OKX app’s built-in browser and marketplace.

Staking on Ethereum: How It Works

Staking is how Ethereum secures its network and rewards participants. Instead of mining, anyone can lock up 32+ ETH (or less in a pool) to become a validator. Validators confirm transactions and, in return, earn ETH rewards—paid out directly to your wallet.

How to stake ETH on OKX:

• Create or log in to your OKX account
• Go to the Ethereum staking page
• Select the amount and confirm
• Earn rewards automatically—no technical skills needed

Staking yields vary (4-7% as of early 2024). Risks include ETH lock-up and protocol changes, but OKX’s solutions offer enhanced security and flexibility.

Understanding Ethereum Fees (Gas)

Every Ethereum action—from sending ETH to minting NFTs—requires a "gas" fee. Gas pays network validators and keeps the blockchain spam-free. Gas fees can spike when the network is crowded (popular NFT drops, etc.).

Why do fees fluctuate?

• More network activity = higher fees
• Complex contracts = more gas needed
• Layer 2 solutions aim to lower costs

How to manage fees:

• Use off-peak hours for lower rates
• Try Layer 2 dapps for cheaper/faster service
• On OKX, all fees and gas costs are displayed clearly before any transaction

OKX’s platform offers transparent fee breakdowns and sometimes absorbs parts of the gas cost during high-volume campaigns.

Is Ethereum Secure? Risks and Protections

Security has always been crucial for Ethereum, especially after the 2016 DAO hack. Since then, Ethereum’s code has been rigorously audited, bug bounties launched, and key apps undergo regular security reviews. The Ethereum Foundation, independent researchers, and “white-hat” hackers help keep the network safe.

Investors and users also benefit from improvements like multisig wallets, insurance funds, and audit reports. OKX maximizes user safety with:

• Industry-leading insurance fund for asset protection
• Regular proof-of-reserves audits (transparency)
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) and withdrawal controls

Always practice good security: never share your seed phrase, use hardware wallets when possible, and enable all account protections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethereum

What is the price of Ethereum?

Ethereum’s price fluctuates daily—from $1,500 to $2,500 (as of early 2024)—depending on overall crypto demand, new upgrades, and financial news. For the latest ETH price, visit the OKX live ETH quote page.

What is Ethereum used for?

Ethereum is used for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, DAOs, cross-border payments, stablecoin transfers, launching tokens, and powering dapps of all types.

What is Ethereum Classic?

Ethereum Classic (ETC) is the original Ethereum blockchain that continued unchanged after the 2016 DAO hack. Ethereum (ETH) reversed the hack via a community vote; Ethereum Classic maintains the old chain and its code.

What is staking Ethereum?

Staking Ethereum means locking up ETH on the network as a validator to help secure transactions and earn yield. On exchanges like OKX, you can stake your ETH and earn rewards easily.

What is the future of Ethereum?

Ethereum plans include scaling upgrades (like sharding), lowering fees via Layer 2 solutions, and more powerful dapps. Enthusiasts are optimistic about its ongoing role in DeFi, NFTs, and web3 communities, but challenges like fees and competition remain.

Conclusion: Why Ethereum and What’s Next?

Ethereum has changed how the world thinks about money, apps, and online trust. Its blockchain enables programmable contracts, real-world financial tools, powerful communities, and endless innovation. From investing in ETH to exploring NFTs or DeFi, users have more opportunities and transparency than ever. Above all, security upgrades and vibrant community support drive long-term value.

If you’re still wondering what is ethereum: it’s a technology, a platform, and a currency—and the start of a new internet. Explore, invest, and build with confidence.

Ready to get started? Create your OKX account and join the Ethereum revolution today.

Crypto investing comes with risk. Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Always research carefully and use robust security practices. Enable 2FA and use reputable wallets or exchanges.