Ethash y Casper

What is ETHHash and what was its role in Ethereum?

ETHHash is a crucial algorithm in the history of Ethereum, used from its creation in 2015 until 2022. This algorithm underpinned the consensus protocol known as Proof of Work (PoW), the proof of work that validated transactions on the Ethereum network. In a system without a central entity, the role of validators in ETHHash was critical.

How did ETHHash work?

• Proof of Work (PoW): The ETHHash algorithm required validators to use specialized machines to perform complex calculations, allowing them to check the validity of transactions on the blockchain.
• Energy Consumption: This validation methodology, while effective, involved high energy consumption, which negatively impacted the environment.
• Compensation: In return for their effort, validators received rewards, through gas and ETH's incentive mechanism.

Scalability and the high cost of gas were significant issues for Ethereum, which drove the search for solutions that included lower environmental impact and better efficiency.

How did Casper revolutionize consensus on Ethereum?

The evolution of Ethereum came in 2022 with the implementation of Casper, a set of algorithms using the consensus protocol known as Proof of Stake (PoS). This marked a significant transition in the way transactions and nodes are validated within the network.

What did the change to Proof of Stake entail?

• Proof of Stake (PoS): With Casper, to become a validator, it is required to have a significant amount of ETH (32 ETH), instead of relying on computational power.
• Environmental Advantages: The transition to PoS results in much lower energy consumption, offering a more sustainable path for network validation.
• Collective Participation: Projects such as Lido allow users to pool their ETH, enabling more people to participate as small-scale validators.

This strategic shift effectively addresses the scalability and efficiency issues that ETHHash faced, contributing to a greener, more participatory ecosystem.

What does the transition to a secure and scalable ecosystem mean?

Ethereum's ongoing development aims to build an ecosystem that is not only decentralized, but also efficient and secure. Although the transition took years of research and adjustments, the benefits of this change are evident in several aspects.

What are the future proposals for Ethereum?

• Decentralization and Security: These remain cornerstones of Ethereum's philosophy, ensuring that individuals can create and interact on the platform without restrictions.
• Scalability: Continues to be a central goal, with numerous proposals underway to improve performance without compromising decentralization.
• Positive Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption is an important step towards a more positive environmental impact.

Ethereum is constantly evolving, and as a user or enthusiast, staying informed and adaptable to these changes is essential to take full advantage of its technological innovations. Continue to explore and learn about how these transformations can benefit the network and its users in the future.