Bitget App
Trade smarter
Buy cryptoMarketsTradeFuturesCopyBotsEarn

Ethereum vs Ethereum Classic: Key Differences Explained

This article explores the variations between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, two prominent cryptocurrencies, discussing their origins, features, and community support.
2024-07-07 06:04:00share
ethereum
ethereum classic

If you're new to the world of cryptocurrencies, you may have heard of both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic and wondered what sets them apart. While these two digital assets share a common origin, they have diverged in significant ways over time. In this article, we'll delve into the key differences between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, exploring their histories, features, and community support.

Origins of Ethereum and Ethereum Classic

Ethereum was originally proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and went live on July 30, 2015. It was intended to be a decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) to be built and run without any downtime, fraud, control, or interference from a third party. The Ethereum blockchain operates on the principle of 'code is law,' meaning that transactions are irreversible and enforceable.

On the other hand, Ethereum Classic is the original Ethereum blockchain that resulted from a hard fork in the Ethereum network following the DAO hack in 2016. The DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) was a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain that raised over $150 million in funds. However, a vulnerability in the DAO's code was exploited, leading to a massive theft of funds. In response, the Ethereum community was divided on how to address the hack, ultimately leading to a split in the network.

Features of Ethereum and Ethereum Classic

One of the primary differences between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic lies in their approach to governance and immutability. Ethereum opted for a contentious hard fork to reverse the effects of the DAO hack, leading to the creation of Ethereum Classic, which maintained the original blockchain to uphold the principle of code immutability.

In terms of development and innovation, Ethereum has maintained a more active and robust ecosystem compared to Ethereum Classic. With a larger community of developers and users, Ethereum has seen greater adoption in the realm of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Additionally, Ethereum has been working on transitioning from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism through the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade to improve scalability and energy efficiency.

On the other hand, Ethereum Classic has a smaller community and has faced challenges in garnering the same level of interest and support as Ethereum. While it remains true to the original principles of blockchain immutability, Ethereum Classic has struggled to keep pace with its counterpart in terms of technological advancements and ecosystem development.

Community Support and Market Performance

As a result of their divergent paths, Ethereum has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, behind Bitcoin, while Ethereum Classic holds a lower ranking in terms of market cap and overall market sentiment. The majority of decentralized applications and token issuances occur on the Ethereum blockchain, contributing to its higher transaction volumes and network activity.

Despite its smaller market presence, Ethereum Classic has retained a loyal following of supporters who value its adherence to the core tenets of blockchain technology. Some members of the crypto community view Ethereum Classic as a purist approach to decentralization and censorship resistance, appreciating its resistance to external interventions and alterations to the blockchain's history.

In conclusion, while Ethereum and Ethereum Classic share a common genesis, they have evolved into distinct entities with diverging philosophies and trajectories. Ethereum has garnered wider adoption and support due to its active development community and innovative features, whereas Ethereum Classic appeals to those who prioritize immutability and decentralization above all else. Regardless of which chain you align with, both Ethereum and Ethereum Classic continue to shape the future of blockchain technology and digital finance.

If you're looking to invest or get involved in the world of cryptocurrencies, understanding the differences between Ethereum and Ethereum Classic can help you make informed decisions based on your values and goals in the crypto space.

Ethereum Classic
ETC
Ethereum Classic price now
$26.46
(-3.85%)24h
The live price of Ethereum Classic today is $26.46 USD with a 24-hour trading volume of $301.15M USD. We update our ETC to USD price in real-time. ETC is -3.85% in the last 24 hours.

Trending assets

Assets with the largest change in unique page views on the Bitget website over the past 24 hours.

Popular cryptocurrencies

A selection of the top 12 cryptocurrencies by market cap.
Download app
Download app