What is ENS?

Exploring the Ethereum Name Service as a Pillar of the Decentralized Web

🔐 Security Simplified

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.

🧭 Guiding Navigation

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 ENS Domains.

🌍 Web Unification

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.

Top-Level Domains (TLDs), like .eth and .test, are owned by smart contracts called registrars, which specify rules governing the allocation of their names. Enabling seamless interoperability with the DNS (Domain Name System).

ETH Registrar

The ETH Registrar 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.

DNS + ENS

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 on this page.

Subnames

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.

For instance, if Alice owns 'alice.eth', she can create 'pay.alice.eth' and configure it as she wishes. Or, use a Custom Resolver, and programmatically issue subdomains, for example in an App, Community, or DAO.

ENS Manager App

You can try ENS out for yourself now by using the ENS Manager App, or by using any of the many ENS enabled applications on the ENS homepage.