Ethereum domains have recently been hyped and shed light on, so what are those domains, and what is their use case other than flipping and flexing being a web3 pioneer?

Web3 domains are distinct from traditional domain name system (DNS) addresses such as (.com & .io). A standard DNS is similar to a phonebook because it datastores public websites and their IP addresses to enable the directory. Pretty basic and monotonous…

Web3 is the read-write-trust web, the internet’s third advanced sector, powered by blockchain technology tools such as smart contracts, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies to achieve a decentralized web that liberates the internet and shifts power away from monopolistic tech giants and toward the people.

Web3.0 is more secure and accessible since it is distributed across a network of computers. Furthermore, web3.0 changes domain names from the traditional domain name system (DNS) to a web3 domain name (ENS).

Rather than providing a human-readable collection of characters as an IP address, a decentralized crypto domain is a human-readable address that serves as a shortcut for your crypto wallet. These Web3 domain names are digital certificates of validity or non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that can be traded on platforms such as MagicEden or OpenSea. Furthermore, Web3 domains have Web3 domain extensions such as (.crypto, .dao and .eth)

It also signifies a crypto wallet address, which allows you to send funds via (ENS), “Send my payment to Toni.eth” is much easier for the sender to remember and do than reciting some impossible-to-remember 42-character crypto wallet address.

ENS and how it works

ENS domains function similarly to classic domain names, but they can create decentralized platforms and websites, as well as store data or files on the blockchain, thanks to the new web 3.0 infrastructure that powers the entire process.

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a new domain naming system built on top of the Ethereum network that allows users to create memorable and unique addresses or usernames. It makes use of Ethereum smart contracts to supplement traditional DNS and manage domain name registration and resolution. In a distributed ecosystem, ENS allows users to create a single username for all of their wallet addresses, decentralized apps, and websites.

ENS utilizes three types of smart contracts: the registry, the registrars, and the resolvers.

The registry — The registry is the ENS’s upper edge contract in charge of storing all domain names and their associated resolver smart contracts. It also specifies the procedures for registering and maintaining a .eth domain name, such as who can register one, how long it lasts, how to renew it, and so on.

The registrar — A registrar is an agreement that allows users to register and manage .eth domains. It manages domain names and allows users to create subdomains based on criteria. The concept of a permanent registrar and registrar controller enables name holders to outsource their names. Meanwhile, there are two types of registrars: auction and open.

The resolver — A resolver is a contract that allows an Ethereum address to be mapped to a .eth domain name. When users enter an address or username into their browser or wallet, the resolver returns the corresponding Ethereum address. The domain name owner deploys the resolver contract, which can be updated to change the mapping. In a nutshell, the resolver saves the name-to-record mapping.

What are the benefits of web3 domain names?

• It provides complete control over the user’s online identity — Unlike traditional domains, which are typically owned by large corporations or organizations, web3 domains can be owned by individuals or groups. It allows users to use their domain to more personally represent themselves or their brand by using unique identifiers in NFT form.

• They are significantly less expensive than traditional domains — Web3 domain names do not require a centralized registrar and do not involve any middlemen, making them cost-effective.

• They are more secure — Since web3 domains are stored on the blockchain, they cannot be modified with or removed by anyone, making them ideal for hosting sensitive data or developing censorship-resistant applications. They are also more resistant to hacking and other attacks because they lack a single point of failure.

• They are more private — Unlike traditional domains, which frequently use individual data to enroll, web3 domain names can be registered anonymously. Users’ identities will not be linked to their domain, giving them greater online privacy.

• They are future-proof — As the internet becomes more decentralized, web3 domain names will become more popular.

ENS Use Cases

• Crypto wallets: the ENS supports all cryptocurrencies, so it can be used to trade and store crypto wallets.

• Decentralized webs and apps: An ENS domain can be used as the Website address for a dApp or website, similar to a standard URL but without DNS servers.

• Censorship-resistant messaging: Using an ENS-registered email address, a user can send an encrypted message to another user. The message will be stored on the blockchain and only the recipient will be able to decrypt it.

• Token swaps: Because both tokens are represented by their respective ENS domain names, two users can swap them without requiring a centralized exchange.

• Name registration: Similar to registering a (DNS) domain name, any name (company name, brand name, etc.) can be registered on the ENS.

• Identity management: The ENS can be used to manage digital identities and avatars independently , giving users control over their data.

• Reputation systems: The ENS can be used to build a decentralized reputation system that allows users to rate each other based on their interactions.

• Certificates: The ENS can be used to decentralize issue and verify certifications, allowing users to vouch for the authenticity of a certificate without the need for a central authority.

Closing Thoughts

By replacing inconvenient alphanumeric codes with human-readable user names, ENS plays a significant role in reducing the technicality involved in blockchain technology. Furthermore, simplifying the user experience will encourage increased technology adoption and the birth of web3.0.