What is ENS?
Exploring the Ethereum Name Service as a Pillar of the Decentralized Web
Last updated
Exploring the Ethereum Name Service as a Pillar of the Decentralized Web
Last updated
Transforming Digital Identity Since 2017
The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) revolutionizes the way we interact with blockchain technology, making Ethereum addresses user-friendly with '.eth' domain names. This innovation extends beyond Ethereum, with compatibility for a wide range of identifiers including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and IPFS hashes.
Example: Ethereum Address Resolution
Before ENS: 0x1234...abcd
After ENS: john.eth
Example: Cross-Chain Address Resolution
For Bitcoin: john.eth resolves to 1A1zP1eP...8G8ijZ
For Litecoin: john.eth resolves to LZyx...G6RG
Example: IPFS Content Resolution
Using ENS, john.eth can link to an IPFS hash, such as QmTz...XiT, pointing directly to decentralized web content. Through eth.limo as a proxy, accessing this content is simplified: john.eth.limo in your browser takes you straight to the IPFS content.
Establish Your Digital Footprint
ENS empowers users to anchor their digital identity in the blockchain universe. Registering an ENS domain simplifies digital transactions, smart contract engagements, and strengthens your presence on the decentralized web. Claim your unique .eth domain to navigate the Ethereum blockchain effortlessly.
Start your journey at .
Beyond Naming: A Decentralized Web Framework
ENS is more than a naming system; it's a framework for the decentralized web. With its ability to point to IPFS hashes, ENS is not just for sending and receiving cryptocurrency but also for accessing decentralized websites and content stored on IPFS, facilitating a more user-friendly experience on the decentralized web.
Because of the hierarchal nature of ENS, anyone who owns a domain at any level can take control of resolution. Users can create subdomains manually, or take matters into their own hands and write their own resolution logic.
Top-Level Domains (TLDs), like .eth and .test, are owned by smart contracts called , which specify rules governing the allocation of their names. Enabling seamless interoperability with the DNS (Domain Name System).
The is the registrar for the .eth TLD, it allows for trustless decentralized names to be issued as tokens on the Ethereum Blockchain. Registration is done through smart-contracts, and name ownership is secured by the Ethereum blockchain.
ENS has similar goals to DNS, the existing Internet's Domain Name Service, and aims to extend its capability. ENS also supports importing DNS names through the use of DNSSEC. Allowing you to take your .com, .xyz, or .art (and more) into the ENS ecosystem.
Read more about DNSSEC names .
For instance, if Alice owns 'alice.eth', she can create 'pay.alice.eth' and configure it as she wishes. Or, use a , and programmatically issue subdomains, for example in an App, Community, or DAO.
You can try ENS out for yourself now by using the , or by using any of the many ENS enabled applications on the ENS.