Bitcoin vs Ethereum

Last Updated :

21 Aug, 2024

Blog Author :

N/A

Edited by :

Ashish Kumar Srivastav

Reviewed by :

Dheeraj Vaidya

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Differences Between Bitcoin and Ethereum

The programming language of Bitcoin is C++, where the transactions take minutes to get confirmed. In contrast, in the case of Ethereum, the solidity programming language is used. As a result, it takes seconds to ensure any transaction.

The principle of distributed ledgers and cryptography dictates Bitcoin and Ethereum, but the two differ technically.

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What is Bitcoin?

  • Bitcoin is a global digital currency. It allows people to own money instead of letting the banks or other agencies maintain them.
  • It also uses a blockchain. The blockchain is a tamper-proof record of all transactions on the network, accessible to all participants, thus increasing the reliability of bitcoins. The blockchain provides many benefits. For example, they improve efficiency, minimum risk, and compliance in regulatory matters.
  • They are not physically present; they are only public and private keys.
  • Bitcoins are yet to be recognized as a traditional medium of payment. However, they have created a strong place in the financial industry. That is why people speak and debate a lot about them.
  • The best part of Bitcoin is that it charges a meager amount of fees compared to any other traditional medium of payment. In addition, a decentralized authority regulates it, unlike those currencies that the government issues.
  • It also provides financial stability for people who live in countries with unstable currencies.

What is Ethereum?

Most people do not know about Ethereum because it is not a digital currency. Ethereum is completely built on blockchain technology with many variations. It helps build smart contracts and the revolutionary Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). In addition, Ethereum has a currency called Ether that helps in creating peer-to-peer agreements.

  • Ether has two functions. Firstly, it is treated as another cryptocurrency and regularly used as a digital currency. Secondly, it is also utilized for monetizing work and running applications in Ethereum.
  • The potential usages of Ethereum are wide and are run on its platform-specific cryptographic token, ether. As a result, many developers want to utilize Ether as a pass to create applications and ensure that they run inside Ethereum.
  • One of the best things about Ethereum is that it is the most reliable decentralized software ever. It is also the largest and most open-ended company that creates Distributed Applications (DApps) and smart contracts. DApps are built so there can never be third-party interference like fraud, downtime, or control.
  • Along with being a platform, Ethereum also acts as a programming language called “Solidity.” This programming language runs on blockchains. Developers may use this language to create and publish applications.
  • Furthermore, the smart contracts system of Ethereum helps provide enhanced security than usual, a traditional method of contracts. As a result, pare down the related costs.

Bitcoin vs Ethereum Infographics

Let us see the top differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum.

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Key Differences

  • While both are mostly compared for their cryptocurrencies, one of the main differences is that bitcoin is a more stable currency if we compare them. However, Ethereum promises to enclose a wider range of applications with Ether.
  • Although bitcoin and Ethereum charge fewer transaction costs, they still charge transactions differently. The strangest thing is when you use Ethereum; you need to take care of three factors to reduce the cost – bandwidth usage, storage needs, and transaction complexity. In addition, the block size limits the transactions, and each transaction competes with the other.
  • More than two-thirds of all the available bitcoins have been mined, and the rest choose the early miners. In comparison, around 50% of Ethereum coins have been mined.

Bitcoin vs Ethereum Comparative Table

Basis of comparison Bitcoin Ethereum
What is it? A currency. A token.
Basic Build Ethash. 0053 Secure hash algorithm, SHA-256
Programming Language Used C++ Solidity.
Issuance Time The transaction is completed in approximately 10 minutes. The transaction is conducted in 10 to 20 seconds.
Supply Type Deflationary (one can make a finite amount of bitcoin). Inflationary (like fiat currency, where one can make more tokens over time).
  Utility Bitcoins help buy products or services and help store their value. So, for example, we can speak about gold and how we use it. Ethereum helps in making decentralized applications that are also called DApps.

Final Thoughts

Both operate on “blockchain” technology. However, Ethereum is far more robust, allowing decentralized applications to be built on top. Ethereum is an advancement based on the principle of the blockchain that supports bitcoin but with a purpose that does not compete with bitcoin.

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This article is a guide to Bitcoin vs Ethereum. We discuss the top differences between bitcoin and ethereum, infographics, and a comparison table. You may also have a look at the following articles for gaining further knowledge in finance: -