EOS Crypto: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research September 25, 2023

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Summary

  • EOS is a decentralized blockchain platform designed for high-performance smart contracts and scalable decentralized applications (dapps)
  • The blockchain addresses scalability, transaction speed and user experience
  • EOS utilizes delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) consensus to achieve high scalability and can process thousands of transactions per second
  • EOS offers a user-friendly development environment, free transactions and a flexible governance model that promotes transparency and decentralization

Overview

EOS is a decentralized blockchain platform designed for high-performance smart contracts and scalable decentralized applications (dapps). Scalability is a key feature of EOS. It utilizes delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) consensus to achieve high scalability, and this allows EOS to conduct thousands of transactions per second, ideal for applications requiring fast and efficient processing.

A Brief History

EOS development began in 2017 with an initial coin offering (ICO) by Block.one. The ICO raised over $4 billion, one of the largest ICO outcomes in history. This funding enabled the launch of the EOS blockchain in June 2018, after which the platform gained traction to provide a scalable and user-friendly platform for dapps.

EOS Crypto: Everything to Know

  • Governance Model . EOS introduces a unique governance model in which elected block producers validate transactions and secure the network. Additionally, token holders participate in decision-making through continuous voting, making it a democratic platform.
  • Resource Allocation . The EOS blockchain separates token ownership from resource consumption. Token holders are entitled to network resources like CPU and bandwidth necessary for transactions and dapps, which ensures access to resources without direct transaction fees.
  • Consensus Mechanism . EOS uses DPoS consensus wherein token holders elect block producers responsible for validating transactions. DPoS allows faster block confirmation times and higher transaction throughput compared to proof-of-work (PoW) networks.
  • Scalability . EOS addresses scalability challenges using DPoS and parallel processing. DPoS enables fast block confirmation times, while parallel processing allows for the simultaneous execution of smart contracts, significantly increasing scalability.
  • Smart Contracts and Dapps . EOS provides a platform for developers to create and deploy "smart contracts" and dapps. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with terms written into code. EOS enables the creation of complex and feature-rich dapps leveraging scalability and resource allocation.
  • EOS Token . The native cryptocurrency of EOS is the "EOS" token. This token serves multiple purposes, including resource allocation staking, governance participation and transactions. EOS token holders can vote for block producers and influence the platform's direction, while developers can create tokens on the EOS blockchain, enabling tokenization and crowdfunding.

Getting Started

To start with EOS, users should first understand the basics of how the platform works. EOS operates on a decentralized blockchain, similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, EOS aims to provide a more scalable and user-friendly environment for developers to build dapps.

One important aspect of EOS is the associated consensus mechanism, DPoS. In a DPoS system, token holders vote for a set of block producers who validate transactions and create new blocks. These producers are elected based on stake in the network and take turns creating blocks. This allows EOS to have fast block confirmation times and high transaction throughput.

To participate in the EOS network, users need to acquire EOS tokens, which can be acquired by buying them on exchanges or participating in EOS token sales. Once users have EOS tokens, they must store them in a compatible wallet that supports EOS and keep private keys secure to protect the associated tokens.

Unique Aspects

EOS has several unique aspects that differentiate it from other cryptocurrencies. One notable feature is the ability to process transactions without fees. Instead of paying fees for each transaction, EOS uses an ownership model wherein users own network resources based on stake. This ownership allows users to use resources like CPU and bandwidth without additional fees. However, acquiring more network resources may require buying or staking more EOS tokens.

Another unique aspect of EOS is a focus on providing a user-friendly development environment for building dapps. EOS offers a "software development kit" (SDK) and a smart contract platform that simplifies creating and deploying dapps. The SDK includes tools and libraries that developers can use to build robust and scalable dapps on the EOS blockchain. This focus on developer experience has made EOS popular for building dapps with ease.

Additionally, EOS introduces parallel processing, which improves scalability and performance. By dividing the workload into smaller tasks and processing them simultaneously, EOS can handle more transactions compared to traditional blockchains. This parallel processing capability is beneficial for applications that require fast and efficient transaction processing.

Advantages

  • Scalability . EOS stands out for exemplary scalability. It can handle a high volume of transactions per second due to the DPoS consensus mechanism, which allows for faster block confirmation times and increased scalability.
  • Flexible Governance Model . The EOS blockchain introduces a governance model that enables stakeholders to participate in decision-making. Token holders can vote for block producers responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the network, and this promotes transparency and decentralization.
  • User-Friendly Interface . EOS offers a comprehensive SDK and developer tools, making it easier for developers to build and deploy dapps. It also supports widely used programming languages like C++ and WebAssembly, reducing barriers to entry and fostering innovation.
  • Free Transactions . EOS allows users to transact without fees, as network resources are allocated based on the amount of EOS tokens held by an account.
  • Governance Upgrades . EOS can implement governance upgrades through a built-in mechanism. This allows the platform to evolve and adapt to changing needs and technological advancements, enhancing functionality and security.

Disadvantages

  • Centralization Concerns . Critics argue that EOS's DPoS consensus mechanism concentrates power in a limited number of block producers, potentially leading to centralization, collusion or network manipulation.
  • Barrier to Entry . Developing on EOS requires understanding blockchain concepts and programming languages like C++ and WebAssembly. This limits accessibility for developers without the necessary skills or resources.
  • Potential Security Risks . While EOS has implemented security measures, the platform is not immune to vulnerabilities. The complexity of the platform and the potential for human error introduce security risks, and collusion among block producers is also a concern.
  • Resource Congestion . EOS's resource allocation model can lead to congestion if abused. Further, increased demand for network resources can limit bandwidth, CPU power and storage, impacting dapp performance and scalability.
  • Governance Challenges . EOS's governance model, while designed to promote transparency and community participation, can be complex and time-consuming. Thus, disagreements and conflicts of interest can hinder progress and development.