What is Ethereum Name Service (ENS)?
Ethereum Name Service is the pioneering open-source blockchain domain protocol built on Ethereum. ENS simplifies crypto transactions by mapping human-readable domain names (e.g., chad.eth
) to:
- Cryptocurrency wallet addresses
- Content hashes
- Metadata records
This system enhances usability while maintaining blockchain decentralization principles. The ENS token serves as the platform's native governance asset.
Key Features of ENS Domains
When you register an ENS domain:
- You receive an ERC721 NFT representing your domain ownership
- Domains are valid for a fixed period (renewable annually)
- Supports both
.eth
names and traditional extensions (.com
,.org
, etc.) - Enables subdomain creation (e.g.,
crypto.bob.eth
frombob.eth
)
๐ Explore ENS-compatible wallets to manage your digital identity seamlessly.
Decentralized Website Hosting
ENS integrates with IPFS to launch censorship-resistant websites:
- Upload your site to IPFS
- Access it via your ENS domain
- Maintain complete ownership without centralized hosting
ENS Ecosystem Integration
With 463+ active integrations, ENS works across major platforms:
Category | Examples |
---|---|
Wallets | MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase |
DeFi Platforms | Uniswap, AAVE |
Browsers | Brave |
Infrastructure | Cloudflare, Etherscan |
ENS Tokenomics Explained
Supply Distribution
- Total supply: 100 million ENS tokens
Allocation:
- 50% โ ENS DAO Treasury
- 25% โ Early contributors & core team
- 25% โ Airdrop to
.eth
domain holders
๐ Learn about governance tokens and their role in decentralized ecosystems.
Vesting Schedule
Tokens unlock progressively over four years, ensuring long-term protocol development.
Founding Team & Development
Nick Johnson launched ENS in 2017 under the Ethereum Foundation. Key milestones:
- 2018: Incorporated as True Names Limited (Singapore non-profit)
- Major collaborators: Cloudflare, Protocol Labs, Chainlink
- Infrastructure partners: Ethereum Classic Labs, IPFS
ENS Price Factors
Market valuation reflects:
- Adoption rate of
.eth
domains - DAO treasury management decisions
- Web3 ecosystem growth
- Governance participation levels
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register an ENS domain?
- Visit the ENS official app
- Search for available names
- Complete registration (ETH payment required)
- Manage your NFT domain via compatible wallets
Can I transfer my ENS domain?
Yes โ as ERC721 NFTs, ENS domains can be:
- Traded on NFT marketplaces
- Transferred between wallets
- Used as collateral in DeFi protocols
What determines ENS token value?
Key drivers include:
- Domain registration volume
- Protocol upgrades
- DAO governance activity
- Web3 adoption trends
How does ENS compare to traditional DNS?
While DNS relies on centralized authorities, ENS offers:
- Blockchain-based ownership
- Censorship resistance
- Native crypto integration
- Smart contract compatibility