Ethereum Classic: A Detailed Look at the Blockchain

Ethereum Classic, the original Ethereum blockchain launched in July 2015, is designed to support decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts, similar to Ethereum. Its primary goal is to maintain the integrity of the Ethereum blockchain. According to the Ethereum Classic website, the protocol has demonstrated its resilience against censorship and remains committed to the original vision of Ethereum, supporting unstoppable applications such as Nyke Finance, Safe Classic, and Mono NFT.

One of the core principles of Ethereum Classic is 'Code is the Law,' emphasizing that applications run exactly as programmed without any interruptions, censorship, or external interference. This ideology aligns with many other blockchain projects in the industry.

Understanding Ethereum Classic's Block Reward Mechanism

In a proof of work (PoW) blockchain like Ethereum Classic, a block consists of a collection of transactions linked in a chronological order. Unique to Ethereum Classic, blocks can be formed even without transactions. The mining rewards on the Ethereum Classic blockchain comprise base rewards, uncle rewards, and gas rewards. The base rewards reduce by 20% every 5 million blocks, while uncle rewards and gas rewards vary based on the number of uncle blocks and gas requirements.

Gas rewards can increase the token supply, and the estimated supply of ETC ranges from 198.3 million to 210.6 million. Despite the benefits of empty blocks, Ethereum Classic faces challenges related to network utilization and transaction volume.

Incentives for Ethereum Classic Miners

Despite the debate surrounding empty blocks and their impact on the network, Ethereum Classic incentivizes miners to include transactions in each block. Without transactions, the network risks becoming stagnant, potentially leading to network attacks or manipulation by some participants.

The network's low utilization rate and transaction volume highlight the need for enhanced network activity. Ethereum Classic's hash rate and network difficulty reflect a stable but comparatively low performance when compared to other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash.

Future Prospects of Ethereum Classic

Ethereum Classic is positioned 26th in the cryptocurrency market with a market cap of $3.4 billion. Despite challenges such as the absence of transactions in some blocks, Ethereum Classic has weathered various market conditions.

The protocol's TVL and smart contract adoption are gradually increasing, though with limited contributions from core developers. Ethereum Classic's resilience and survival despite its challenges indicate potential for future innovations and developments in the protocol.

While Ethereum Classic's longevity remains a topic of interest, its continued existence amidst market fluctuations showcases its enduring nature in the evolving blockchain ecosystem.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies or stocks carries inherent risks. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional guidance.