Ethereum is an open-source decentralized blockchain project having a huge presence in the crypto-space. Its cryptocurrency, Ether is similar to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but the network offers great possibilities for all types of blockchain based applications, which is not the case with Bitcoin. Bitcoin is good in its own way as it is the first cryptocurrency and almost like Gold in the sphere of cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum's processing ability is embedded into the node implementation and it has a Turing-complete virtual machine language.
The EVM(Ethereum Virtual Machine) lets the Ethereum nodes to store and process data in exchange for payments. It can respond to real-world events and offers great opportunities for on-chain applications.
Ethereum Smart Contracts
Smart contracts allow people across the globe to conduct business even if they don't transact in the same currency or speak the same language.
So, What Is Solidity?
Solidity language is a tool using which we can create machine level code that can be executed on the EVM. It's a language with a compiler that takes human-readable code and breaks it down into simple instructions to form the basis of microprocessor executable program.
Why Should I Learn Solidity?
Ethereum offers a way to conduct business transactions on the blockchain in a safe way using the smart contracts. We can use a supported language such as 'Solidity' to build smart contracts for various businesses. There is still a great shortage of the Smart Contract Developers, that's why it is a good idea to learn Solidity and build smart contracts for various businesses.
What Do You Need To Learn 'Solidity'?
Solidity is a contract-oriented programming language designed for the Ethereum network. Its syntax is similar to JavaScript and it targets the EVM. You need to have a good understanding of the Ethereum blockchain network and basic programming knowledge. Solidity is roughly based on JavaScript and C programming languages. So, any past experience with these languages will help you in your learning process.
You don't need to install any software, IDE(Integrated Development Environment) or a compiler to get started. You just need a computer with an Internet connection.
We can use a browser-based IDE called 'Remix' to write and test our code in 'Solidity'. It is developed by the Ethereum developers. You can just go to 'remix.ethereum.org' and the IDE will open up on your browser.
Before we dive into smart contract development, we need to look at the Ethereum network more closely.
You will learn more about Ethereum and Smart Contracts in the next part.
Have a nice day!