Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin — but much more than just a digital currency. Ethereum is a programmable blockchain: the foundation for DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, and thousands of decentralized applications. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know as a beginner.
What Is Ethereum?
Ethereum was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders. The core idea: a blockchain where not just transactions but entire programs (smart contracts) can run. The cryptocurrency Ether (ETH) is the "fuel" of the network — you need ETH to pay for transactions and smart contract calls.
Since September 2022, Ethereum uses Proof of Stake instead of Proof of Work. This means: no more mining, instead staking. Anyone who deposits at least 32 ETH can validate the network and earn rewards.
Your 30-Day Roadmap
Week 1: Understand the Basics
Read this article to the end. Understand the difference between Ethereum (the network), Ether/ETH (the currency), and Gas (the transaction fees). Install MetaMask and create your first address.
Week 2: Buy Your First ETH
Register at a reputable exchange (Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini). Buy a small amount of ETH — only as much as you're willing to lose. Send your ETH from the exchange to your MetaMask address.
Week 3: Explore DeFi
Get familiar with Etherscan. Look at your transactions. Try a token swap on Uniswap with a small amount. Understand what gas fees are and how they work.
Week 4: Upgrade Your Security
Consider a hardware wallet. Set up a backup of your seed phrase (on paper or metal). Check your token approvals. Familiarize yourself with Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum or Base, which offer significantly cheaper transactions.
Key Terms
Gas: The fee you pay for every transaction. Measured in Gwei (1 Gwei = 0.000000001 ETH). → Gas Fees Explained
Smart Contract: A program that runs on the blockchain. Automatic, transparent, immutable. → Smart Contracts Explained
DeFi: Decentralized Finance — financial services without banks. Swap, lend, earn interest.
Layer 2: Networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, or Base that build on Ethereum but offer faster and cheaper transactions.
Staking: Deposit ETH to secure the network and earn rewards. → Staking Guide
Common Beginner Mistakes
Storing seed phrase digitally. Write it on paper, not in the notes app.
Leaving everything on an exchange. Not your keys, not your coins.
Ignoring gas fees. Mainnet transactions can be expensive. Check gas prices before sending.
Responding to DMs on Discord/Telegram. Legitimate projects never message you first.
Last updated: February 2026.