What Is Ethereum Name Service (ENS) Coin?

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The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is the first open-source, public blockchain domain protocol built on the Ethereum network. It simplifies how users interact with blockchain addresses by mapping human-readable names—like alice.eth—to complex cryptocurrency wallet addresses, content hashes, and metadata. This makes sharing and using blockchain identifiers far more intuitive and user-friendly.

At the heart of ENS is its native governance token, also called ENS. This ERC-20 token empowers holders to participate in the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) that governs the protocol’s future development and upgrades.

How ENS Works: Simplifying Blockchain Addresses

Instead of copying or sending long hexadecimal wallet addresses like 0x4bbeEB066eD09B7AEd07bF39EEe0460DFa261520, users can register a simple .eth domain such as jane.eth. This domain acts as a permanent, blockchain-based alias that resolves to their wallet address.

When you register an ENS domain, you receive an ERC-721 non-fungible token (NFT), representing ownership of that name for a fixed period—typically renewable on a yearly basis. This NFT can be transferred, sold, or held like any other digital asset.

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Key Features of Ethereum Name Service

1. Human-Readable Wallet Addresses

ENS eliminates the need to handle complex strings of characters when sending or receiving cryptocurrencies and NFTs. By linking your wallet to a .eth name, transactions become faster, safer, and less prone to errors.

2. Support for Traditional Domains

Beyond .eth, ENS supports integration with traditional top-level domains (TLDs) such as .com, .org, .xyz, .app, .io, and .art. This allows users to manage both Web2 and Web3 identities under one system.

3. Subdomain Creation

Domain owners can create and manage subdomains. For example, if you own bob.eth, you can generate mail.bob.eth or wallet.bob.eth and assign different addresses or services to each.

4. Decentralized Website Hosting

With support from the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), ENS enables censorship-resistant websites. You can host a site on IPFS, pin its content hash, and link it directly to your ENS name—allowing access via a decentralized web browser.

This opens new possibilities for free speech, privacy-focused platforms, and resilient online infrastructure.

ENS Token: Governance and Distribution

The ENS token is an ERC-20 utility token used for governance within the ENS DAO. Token holders can:

Total Supply and Allocation

The total supply of ENS tokens is capped at 100 million. The distribution was carefully designed to promote decentralization and long-term sustainability:

A portion of the initial supply was released at launch, with the remainder unlocked gradually over four years to ensure sustained community engagement.

Adoption and Ecosystem Integration

ENS has rapidly become one of the most widely adopted blockchain naming systems. As of now, over 652,000 unique domains have been registered, and the protocol integrates with more than 463 applications, wallets, and services across the Web3 landscape.

Notable integrations include:

This widespread adoption reinforces ENS’s role as a foundational layer in the evolving decentralized internet.

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Founding Team and Development Background

Ethereum Name Service was launched in early 2017 by Nick Johnson, a former software engineer at the Ethereum Foundation. His vision was to create a scalable, secure, and user-friendly naming system for Ethereum addresses.

In 2018, ENS was formally registered as a nonprofit entity under True Names Limited, based in Singapore. This organization continues to oversee the technical evolution and strategic direction of the protocol.

ENS has received backing from major players in the blockchain space, including:

Additionally, ENS partnered with Cloudflare to develop native ENS and IPFS gateways through eth.link, allowing traditional browsers to resolve .eth domains without requiring special plugins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What can I do with an ENS domain?
A: You can use it to simplify crypto transactions by replacing long wallet addresses with a readable name like yourname.eth. You can also link it to decentralized websites, NFTs, social profiles, and even email or messaging services.

Q: Is ENS only for Ethereum addresses?
A: No. While primarily used for Ethereum wallets, ENS supports multiple blockchain address types—including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin—as well as content hashes and metadata.

Q: How much does an ENS domain cost?
A: Registration costs vary based on domain length and demand. Shorter names are more expensive. Typically, a five-character or longer .eth domain costs around 0.05 ETH per year, plus gas fees.

Q: Can I sell my ENS domain?
A: Yes. Since each domain is an ERC-721 NFT, it can be listed on NFT marketplaces like OpenSea and sold to collectors or brands seeking premium names.

Q: Where can I buy ENS tokens?
A: ENS tokens are available on major cryptocurrency exchanges. Always verify listings through official sources before trading.

Q: Is ENS decentralized?
A: Yes. Governance is fully community-driven through the ENS DAO. While initially developed with support from the Ethereum Foundation, control has since transitioned to token holders.

The Future of Digital Identity

As Web3 adoption grows, so does the need for intuitive digital identities. Ethereum Name Service sits at the intersection of usability, security, and decentralization—offering a critical infrastructure layer for the next generation of internet applications.

From simplifying payments to enabling decentralized websites and cross-platform identity management, ENS is redefining how we interact with blockchain technology.

Whether you're a developer building on Web3 or a user navigating the decentralized web, owning an ENS name provides lasting value in an increasingly digital world.

👉 Explore how owning a blockchain domain can enhance your digital presence