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Learn Ethereum with online courses and programs

Ethereum developers can build innovative, decentralized applications capable of smart contract automation and peer-to-peer payment facilitation. Learn Ethereum to understand blockchain fundamentals with online courses from edX.
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What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is an open-source blockchain platform that developers use to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) and execute smart contracts on its blockchain network.Footnote 1 Smart contracts are self-executing, digital programs that automate complex processes such as financial transactions, identity verification, and supply chain management. 

The decentralized nature of Ethereum means the platform runs on a peer-to-peer network rather than by a central authority. Ethereum has its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which serves several purposes within the Ethereum ecosystem. Besides paying transaction fees to Ethereum miners, you can also use Ether as “gas” for smart contracts. Traders often use “Ethereum price” in reference to the current value of Ether. 

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Ethereum course curriculum

If you are interested in how to learn Ethereum, you can start with the basics of blockchain technology. Beginner content often covers topics such as: 

  • An introduction to Ethereum and its history

  • Concepts of smart contract testing

  • Solidity and front-end development

  • Basic concepts of decentralized applications

In an intermediate course, learners can dive deeper into the technical aspects of Ethereum architecture and smart contract development. These courses may cover the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and bytecode, testing and debugging smart contracts, and more advanced concepts of decentralized finance (DeFi).

If you are considering studying blockchain or financial technology, edX offers a variety of educational opportunities that can fit your needs. A boot camp can provide flexible, hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the learning path that can accelerate your professional development in a format that works for you. 

Explore Ethereum jobs

There are many different types of jobs that may require understanding or working with the Ethereum network, including:

  • Solidity developer: This role requires a deep understanding of the Ethereum architecture and smart contracts. A Solidity developer should stay up to date on any new developments in Ethereum and blockchain technology.Footnote 2

  • Blockchain developer: Blockchain developers know how to build and configure blockchain infrastructure and deeply understand distributed systems.Footnote 3

  • Smart contract engineer: A smart contract engineer understands the Ethereum architecture and smart contract development practices. The engineer develops, designs, and tests how the smart contracts work on the Ethereum network.Footnote 4

  • Finance writer: A finance writer could create content related to Decentralized Finance and Ethereum. A background in economics, finance, or technical writing may be necessary.Footnote 5

  • Financial analyst: The role of a financial analyst includes analyzing blockchain data and providing recommendations and insight to responsible stakeholders.Footnote 6

Obtaining an Ethereum certificate is one way to enhance your skills and knowledge in Ethereum development. An online fintech boot camp can also equip learners with the skills needed for certain Ethereum jobs. However, if you’re interested in development-focused jobs, a coding boot camp may be more beneficial to building the skills needed to perform important tasks. The exact skills and education credentials you need will vary depending on the role and the industry, so learners should do their own research to determine which educational path will best align with their career goals.

How to become an Ethereum blockchain developer online 

Learners who want to become Ethereum blockchain developers may start by studying the basics of blockchain technology (including how it works), cryptography, distributed ledgers, and decentralized systems. Afterward, delve into Solidity programming and use Ethereum smart contract tutorials for guidance. 

You can familiarize yourself with Ethereum development tools like Truffle, Ganache, and Remix to develop skills that are transferable to other Web3 endeavors. Learners can join Ethereum developer communities, such as Discord and Telegram channels. These communities can allow them to practice on live projects and receive feedback on their code. 

The Ethereum ecosystem constantly evolves, and new tools and technologies always emerge. Learners can stay up to date on the latest developments by following Ethereum blogs, participating in hackathons, and attending webinars. 

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Frequently asked questions

Ethereum and Bitcoin are both open-source, decentralized blockchain platforms that facilitate peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Bitcoin’s initial purpose was to be a decentralized currency to buy goods and services. In contrast, Ethereum was to become a platform where developers could create decentralized applications. Another difference is that Bitcoin has a fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins, whereas Ethereum has no fixed maximum.Footnote 7

Ethereum Classic is a cryptocurrency and blockchain computing platform that lets developers build and deploy smart contracts after meeting certain predetermined conditions. It’s a project of its own but adheres to the original Ethereum protocols and standards.Footnote 8

Originally, Ethereum was mined using a graphics processing unit (GPU). Mining involved using computational power to solve complex math puzzles. However, mining Ethereum is resource intensive and has become increasingly competitive. As of 2022, Ethereum mining was replaced with staking. In staking, validators maintain the network through a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, instead of a proof-of-work one.Footnote 9

There is no longer a mining option for Ethereum. Instead, you can become a validator on the network and stake Ether. You must learn Ethereum and how it works before you can begin. It requires an initial ETH investment, specialized hardware, software, and an understanding of how to set it all up.

Ethereum is a platform that facilitates the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts. It’s also the backbone of the DeFi ecosystem, which includes various financial applications that facilitate lending, borrowing, and trading. Developers use it to create NFTs, efficient supply management systems, privacy-preserving identity verification systems, and blockchain-based games.

Ethereum’s core technology is the blockchain. It’s a decentralized ledger that controls all the transactions on the Ethereum network. The Ethereum blockchain can execute smart contracts stored in the network. Developers leverage these contracts to create decentralized applications.

You can get Ethereum from centralized exchange platforms and decentralized exchange platforms. Decentralized platforms give you more control over your transactions. You can also buy from wallets that allow you to buy cryptocurrency with a debit or credit card.