BCT - Unit 5
BCT - Unit 5
Ethereum is a decentralized global software platform powered by blockchain technology. It's often misunderstood as
just a cryptocurrency, but it's actually a platform that enables developers to create and run applications on its
blockchain using smart contracts. This sets it apart from traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are primarily
used for digital payments.
Decentralized Applications (dApps): Ethereum allows developers to create and run decentralized
applications (dApps) on its blockchain, whereas traditional cryptocurrencies are primarily used for digital
payments.
Smart Contracts: Ethereum's smart contracts enable the execution of complex agreements and transactions,
whereas traditional cryptocurrencies rely on simple transaction scripts.
Turing-Complete Programming Language: Ethereum's programming language, Solidity, is Turing-complete,
allowing for more complex and flexible smart contracts, whereas traditional cryptocurrencies have limited
scripting capabilities.
Decentralized Governance: Ethereum has a decentralized governance model, allowing for community-driven
decision-making, whereas traditional cryptocurrencies often have a centralized governance structure.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Ethereum is used for lending, borrowing, trading, and creating financial
products without traditional intermediaries.
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Ethereum powers digital collectibles like art, music, and virtual assets that can
be bought, sold, and traded securely.
Gaming: Ethereum supports blockchain-based games where players can own and trade digital items securely.
Q) Identify two types of Ethereum networks and briefly explain their purpose.
1. Ethereum Mainnet
Purpose: The Ethereum Mainnet is the primary public blockchain where all transactions and smart
contracts are executed. It is the live environment where users can interact with decentralized applications
(dApps) and where Ether (ETH) is used for transaction fees.
Characteristics:
Public and Open: Anyone can participate, either by using dApps or by running a node.
Security: The Mainnet benefits from a large network of miners/validators, providing security and
decentralization.
Real Value Transactions: Transactions on the Mainnet involve real assets and have real economic
value.
2. Ethereum Testnets
Purpose: Testnets are alternative Ethereum networks used for testing and development purposes. They
allow developers to experiment with smart contracts and dApps without the risk of losing real Ether or
affecting the Mainnet.
Characteristics:
Free Transactions: Testnets use test Ether, which can be obtained for free, making it ideal for
testing.
Multiple Variants: There are several testnets, such as Ropsten, Rinkeby, and Goerli, each with
different consensus mechanisms and characteristics.
Development Environment: Developers can identify bugs, test new features, and ensure that their
applications work correctly before deploying them on the Mainnet.
Q) Explain the concept of a smart contract with an example. [8]
A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. It
runs on a blockchain, allowing for trustless transactions and automatic enforcement of contract terms
without the need for intermediaries. Smart contracts are immutable and decentralized, meaning once
deployed, they cannot be altered, and they operate on a distributed network.
Key Features of Smart Contracts:
Automation: Smart contracts automatically execute actions when predefined conditions are met.
Trustless Environment: Parties can interact without needing to trust each other, as the contract's
execution is guaranteed by the blockchain.
Transparency: All transactions and contract terms are visible on the blockchain, providing
transparency to all parties involved.
Cost Efficiency: By eliminating intermediaries, smart contracts can reduce transaction costs and
speed up processes.
Suppose a landlord wants to rent out an apartment to a tenant. They agree on the following terms:
1. Condition 1: The tenant must send 1 ETH to the smart contract every month.
2. Condition 2: Once the payment is confirmed, the smart contract automatically grants the tenant digital access to the
apartment (e.g., through a code or digital key) for 30 days.
3. Condition 3: If no payment is received by the due date, the smart contract will revoke access automatically.
Ethereum’s blockchain is not designed for storing large amounts of data due to its limited block size and high
gas costs. Swarm solves this problem by providing off-chain storage for decentralized applications (dApps).
Developers can store files, documents, images, or large datasets on Swarm, while referencing them via
Ethereum smart contracts.
Swarm acts as a content delivery network (CDN) for Ethereum-based dApps. Instead of relying on
traditional, centralized servers, dApps can use Swarm to distribute content in a peer-to-peer manner, making
the entire system more resilient to censorship and server downtime.
Files stored in Swarm are immutable, meaning once a file is uploaded, it cannot be altered. This immutability
aligns with the properties of Ethereum’s blockchain, where data is also irreversible, ensuring that data
integrity is preserved. It also supports long-term storage with the help of incentivized nodes.
Swarm can be used to host decentralized websites (also called dApps) and other resources without the need
for a central server. This makes the web more decentralized and resistant to censorship, as no single entity
controls the storage of the website's data.
Using Swarm Incentivization, users can pay for storage and bandwidth with Ethereum-based tokens.
Nodes that contribute to the storage network are rewarded, creating a self-sustaining system that encourages
participation. This model is key to building a scalable decentralized storage solution.
Swarm is tightly integrated with Ethereum’s smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized
applications that interact with both Ethereum’s blockchain and Swarm’s decentralized storage. For instance, a
smart contract might reference a file stored on Swarm, and the smart contract would be responsible for
managing payments for storing or retrieving that file.
2. Ethereum Testnets
Ethereum Testnets are alternative Ethereum networks used for testing and development purposes. They
allow developers to experiment with smart contracts and dApps without the risk of losing real Ether or
affecting the Mainnet.
3. Ethereum Classic (ETC)
Ethereum Classic is a fork of the original Ethereum blockchain that occurred in 2016. It is a separate
blockchain that continues to use the original Ethereum protocol and is not compatible with the updated
Ethereum protocol.
4. Ethereum 2.0 (Serenity)
Ethereum 2.0, also known as Serenity, is an upgrade to the Ethereum protocol that aims to improve
scalability, security, and usability. It is a new blockchain that will eventually replace the current Ethereum
Mainnet.
5. Private Ethereum Networks
Private Ethereum networks are custom-built Ethereum networks that are not connected to the public
Mainnet. They are often used by enterprises and organizations to build private blockchain solutions.
Q) What is the concept of smart contact? Discuss its types.
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.
They are stored and executed on a blockchain, which ensures transparency, security, and immutability. The
main idea behind smart contracts is to automate and enforce contractual agreements without the need for
intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Key Characteristics:
Autonomy: Once deployed, smart contracts operate independently without human intervention.
Trust: The code is visible and immutable, ensuring all parties can trust the execution of the contract.
Efficiency: Automated execution reduces the time and effort required for contract management.
Security: Cryptographic techniques secure the contract, making it difficult to alter or hack.
Types of Smart Contracts
Smart contracts can be categorized based on their functionality, use cases, and the platforms they are built
on. Here are some common types:
1. Simple Contracts
Description: Basic contracts that perform straightforward functions, such as token transfers or
simple data storage.
Example: A contract that allows users to send and receive tokens.
2. Complex Contracts
Description: More intricate contracts that involve multiple functions, conditions, and interactions
with other contracts.
Example: Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols that manage lending, borrowing, and trading.
3. Multi-signature Contracts
Description: Contracts that require multiple signatures (approvals) to execute certain actions,
enhancing security and trust.
Example: A multi-signature wallet that requires approval from several parties before funds can be
moved.
4. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)
Description: Smart contracts that govern decentralized organizations, allowing members to vote on
proposals and manage funds collectively.
Example: A DAO that funds projects based on member voting.
5. Oracles Contracts
Description: Contracts that interact with external data sources (oracles) to obtain real-world data,
enabling smart contracts to make decisions based on that information.
Example: A contract that adjusts insurance payouts based on weather data from an oracle.
6. Escrow Contracts
Description: Contracts that hold funds in escrow until predetermined conditions are met, ensuring
that both parties fulfill their obligations.
Example: A contract that releases payment to a seller once the buyer confirms receipt of goods.
7. Token Contracts
Description: Smart contracts that create and manage tokens, including fungible tokens (like ERC-20)
and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Example: A contract that implements an ERC-721 standard for creating unique digital collectibles.
Q) Explain Whisper( Decentralized Messaging platform)
Whisper is a decentralized messaging protocol designed for asynchronous, low-bandwidth, and uncertain
latency communication and data transmission between decentralized applications (dApps) on the
Ethereum blockchain. It provides a secure and decentralized way for dApps to communicate with each
other, enabling features like peer-to-peer messaging, group chats, and file sharing.
Key Features of Whisper
Decentralized: Whisper is a decentralized protocol, meaning that it does not rely on a central server
or authority to manage communication between dApps.
Secure: Whisper uses public-key cryptography and a distributed hash table (DHT) to ensure that
messages are secure and private.
Asynchronous: Whisper is designed for asynchronous communication, allowing dApps to send and
receive messages without requiring a direct connection.
Low-bandwidth: Whisper is optimized for low-bandwidth communication, making it suitable for use
on mobile devices and other resource-constrained platforms.
How Whisper Works:
Whisper uses a combination of public-key cryptography and a DHT to enable secure and decentralized
communication between dApps. Here's a high-level overview of how Whisper works:
Message creation: A dApp creates a message and encrypts it using the recipient's public key.
Message transmission: The encrypted message is transmitted to the Whisper network, where it is
relayed to the recipient's node.
Message reception: The recipient's node receives the encrypted message and decrypts it using their
private key.
Whisper Envelopes:
Whisper messages are encapsulated in envelopes, which contain metadata such as the message's
expiration time, time-to-live, and topics. The envelope structure is as follows:
Flags: A single byte flag indicating whether the message has a signature.
Padding: Optional padding used to align the message size.
Payload: The actual message data.
Signature: The ECDSA signature of the Keccak-256 hash of the unencrypted data.
1.
Before writing a Solidity smart contract, a few tools are typically needed:
Ethereum Wallet or IDE (e.g., Remix IDE): This is a browser-based IDE for writing, deploying, and interacting
with Solidity contracts.
Truffle Framework: A development framework for Ethereum that allows for the development, testing, and
deployment of smart contracts.
MetaMask: A browser wallet to interact with Ethereum dApps and test the contract.
Ganache: A local blockchain used for testing contracts in a sandbox environment.
2.
A typical Solidity contract consists of various elements such as variables, functions, and events. Here's a
basic example of a Solidity smart contract:
Solidity
// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.0;
contract SimpleStorage {
uint256 public storedData;
Once the contract code is written, it needs to be deployed onto the Ethereum blockchain. The process involves:
1. Compilation: The Solidity code is compiled into bytecode that the EVM can execute.
2. Deployment: Using a tool like Remix or Truffle, the compiled contract can be deployed onto a blockchain
(such as the Ethereum mainnet, a testnet, or a local blockchain like Ganache).
3. Gas Fees: Deploying a contract requires paying a gas fee in Ether. This is the cost for the computational
resources needed to store the contract on the blockchain.
4. Contract Address: Once deployed, the contract is assigned a unique address on the blockchain, which can be
used to interact with it.
After deployment, users can interact with the smart contract by calling its functions, either:
Set Data: The user can call the set function to store a new number on the blockchain, which requires gas.
Get Data: The user can call the get function to retrieve the stored number without paying gas.
Solidity is a high-level programming language designed specifically for writing smart contracts. These contracts are
self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They are deployed on a
blockchain, typically Ethereum, and can automate transactions and enforce rules without any third-party
intervention.
1. Smart Contracts:
o Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code.
o Deployed on a blockchain and can automate transactions and enforce rules.
o Examples: Decentralized exchanges, crowdfunding platforms, and supply chain management
systems.
2. Accounts:
o Unique identifiers on the Ethereum blockchain.
o Can be controlled by either external accounts (owned by individuals) or contract accounts
(controlled by code).
3. Ether:
o The native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain.
o Used to pay transaction fees and execute smart contracts.
4. Transactions:
o State changes on the Ethereum blockchain.
o Involve sending Ether between accounts or executing smart contract functions.
5. Blockchain:
o A decentralized, immutable, and distributed ledger that records all transactions.
Syntax:
Solidity
// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.17;
contract SimpleStorage {
uint storedData;
function set(uint x) public {
storedData = x;
}
function get() public
view returns (uint) {
return storedData;
}
}
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a decentralized, Turing-complete virtual machine that operates as the
runtime environment for smart contracts on the Ethereum network. It's a crucial component of the Ethereum
ecosystem, enabling the execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) in a secure,
decentralized, and trustless manner.
1. Transaction Submission:
o Users submit transactions to the Ethereum network.
o These transactions contain the code of a smart contract to be executed.
2. Transaction Mining:
o Miners pick up these transactions and include them in a block.
o The block is added to the blockchain after it's verified and validated.
3. EVM Execution:
o Once a block is added, the EVM within each node in the network starts executing the smart
contracts in that block.
o The EVM interprets the bytecode of the smart contract and executes it instruction by instruction.
4. State Changes:
o As the EVM executes the code, it can modify the state of the blockchain.
o This might involve creating new accounts, transferring Ether, or storing data.
5. Gas Consumption:
o Every operation performed by the EVM consumes a certain amount of gas.
o Gas is a unit of measurement that determines the computational cost of a transaction.
o Users must pay a fee in Ether proportional to the gas used.
Key Features of the EVM:
Deterministic: The EVM always produces the same output for the same input, ensuring consistency across
the network.
Sandboxed Environment: Smart contracts execute in a sandboxed environment, isolated from the
underlying operating system.
Account-Based Model: Ethereum uses an account-based model, where each account has a unique address
and can hold Ether and smart contract code.
Gas Mechanism: The gas mechanism ensures that the network remains secure and efficient by limiting the
computational resources used by smart contracts.
Complexity: The EVM is a complex system, and understanding its intricacies can be challenging.
Performance Limitations: The EVM's performance can be limited, especially for complex computations.
Security Risks: Smart contracts can be vulnerable to various security attacks, such as reentrancy attacks and
integer overflows.
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a decentralized, Turing-complete virtual machine that operates as the
runtime environment for smart contracts on the Ethereum network. It's a crucial component of the Ethereum
ecosystem, enabling the execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) in a secure,
decentralized, and trustless manner.
Decentralized Execution: The EVM operates on a decentralized network of nodes, ensuring that no single
entity controls the execution of contracts.
Turing Completeness: The EVM is Turing complete, meaning it can perform any computation that can be
described algorithmically.
Smart Contract Execution: The EVM is specifically designed to execute smart contracts, which are self-
executing programs that automatically enforce the terms of an agreement or perform certain actions when
predefined conditions are met.
Deterministic Execution: The EVM ensures deterministic execution, which means that given the same input
and the same initial state, any node in the Ethereum network will produce the exact same result when
executing a transaction or smart contract.
Immutable Code: Smart contracts deployed on the Ethereum blockchain are immutable, meaning their code
cannot be altered or updated.