The blockchain ecosystem in recent years has undeniably featured ENS as a standout player.
Since its launch, the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has emerged as the widely adopted standard for blockchain domain names. Its governance token airdrop campaign particularly sparked vibrant community discussions. Currently, over 200,000 users actively use ENS, having created more than 510,000 domain names. Furthermore, ENS has been integrated into 300+ applications.
Understanding ENS: Beyond Domain Names
ENS, or Ethereum Name Service, is a decentralized, open, and extensible naming system built on the Ethereum blockchain.
The Web3 Equivalent of DNS
In Web2, websites rely on DNS to translate human-readable domains (e.g., baidu.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (e.g., 202.108.22.5). Similarly, ENS acts as Web3’s naming layer—but instead of resolving to IP addresses, ENS domains map to Ethereum wallet addresses (e.g., vitalik.eth → 0xd8…45).
This enables seamless interactions: when you send funds to vitalik.eth, the system resolves it to the underlying 42-character address, facilitating transactions without memorizing complex strings.
Key Features of ENS
- Reverse Resolution:
ENS allows associating a readable domain (e.g.,yourname.eth) with an Ethereum address, simplifying user interactions in dApps. - Decentralized Login:
Apps integrated with ENS enable passwordless sign-ins using Ethereum private keys, with the ENS domain as the default username. - Extended Utility:
Domains can resolve to IPFS/Swarm content hashes, storing profile data like avatars or NFTs, enhancing decentralized identity management.
Why Some Believe ENS Could Replace DID
ENS aligns with Zooko’s Triangle—secure, decentralized, and human-readable—leading to speculation that it might dominate decentralized identity (DID) solutions. Its Ethereum backing and growing adoption (300+ integrations) strengthen this argument.
However, overlaps with DID functionality (e.g., login and data storage) don’t necessarily equate to replacement.
👉 Explore how ENS compares to DID standards
FAQ: ENS and DID
Q1: Is ENS a form of DID?
A: While ENS domains function as decentralized identifiers, DID encompasses broader frameworks for verifiable credentials and interoperable identity systems.
Q2: Can ENS store personal data securely?
A: Yes, via content hashes on IPFS, but DID solutions often offer more granular data control and privacy features.
Q3: Why is ENS popular for Web3 logins?
A: Its simplicity—users sign transactions with their wallet, eliminating passwords while maintaining security.
In Part 2, we’ll dissect ENS’s limitations and evaluate whether it can truly supersede DID ecosystems. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of interoperability, scalability, and governance.
👉 Learn about advanced DID solutions
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