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The Ethereum ecosystem (ETH) can now be said to be one of the largest and most mature in the crypto world.
I will summarize it into several parts for easier understanding:
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1. Core Infrastructure
Ethereum Mainnet → The main network that is currently operating on the Proof of Stake mechanism (PoS) since the Merge in September 2022.
Layer 2 (L2) → A solution to speed up transactions and lower gas fees.
Large example:
Arbitrum (ARB) → focus on DeFi & major applications.
Optimism (OP) → focuses on the project ecosystem and strategic partners.
Base ( from Coinbase ) → integration to retail users.
zkSync, Starknet → use zero-knowledge proof technology.
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2. DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
Ethereum is still the main home for DeFi.
DEX (Decentralized Exchange): Uniswap, Curve, Balancer.
Lending/Borrowing: Aave, Compound, MakerDAO (DAI).
Derivatives & Structured Products: dYdX, Synthetix.
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3. NFT & Gaming
NFT Marketplace: OpenSea, Blur, LooksRare.
Game/Metaverse: The Sandbox, Decentraland, Illuvium.
NFT Infrastructure: Manifold, Zora.
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4. Stablecoin on Ethereum
USDT (Tether)
USDC (Circle)
DAI (MakerDAO, decentralized)
FRAX, LUSD, etc.
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5. DAO & Governance
MakerDAO, ENS DAO, Gitcoin DAO.
Many major protocols on Ethereum are already operating through DAOs for governance.
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6. Latest Trends & Upgrades
Dencun Upgrade (2024) → reduce transaction fees on Layer 2.
EigenLayer → a restaking concept that allows Ethereum validators to lease their security to other protocols.
Focus on modular blockchain → separating execution, data availability, and consensus.