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What is the meaning of Geth?
Geth, short for Go-Ethereum – is a software program written in Go programming language developed by Google. Go is used to interact with Ethereum. It can also be referred to as an Ethereum client used to interact with the network.
It serves as a gateway or a roadmap for entering the decentralized realm. Geth also gives one access to connect with the Ethereum blockchain and get access to its functions and different features.
Origin of Geth
Geth’s origin very much lies in the blockchain world. It was developed in 2014 by the founder, Jefferey Wilcke, of a blockchain technology company. It was essentially designed as a fast and user-friendly implementation of entering the Ethereum network.
Geth, as programming software, was created considering the diversity of the Ethereum network users. The purpose was to seamlessly integrate newbies as well as advanced developers into the network.
Ever since its inception in 2014, it has become one of the most widely used Ethereum implementations.
How to use Geth – in layman’s terms? A download guide:
Now that you are familiar with how Geth works and what it is, know that it is free and open-source software and this is how you can use Geth:
- First, you download and install Geth by going to https://Geth.ethereum.org/
- Once it is installed, you can sync it with the Ethereum blockchain. This may take some time.
- Once the synchronization is done, you can create an account. This account will primarily be used to receive and send Ether (the official coin of Ethereum) which will further help you interact with dApps and Smart Contracts.
- Once you have made an account, you can also become a part of the mining process by using Geth to become a node that can verify and validate transactions.
Now, you may ask how a user can be a node because a node is a computer or a server. Well, a validator is a type of node that is used to validate additional transactions and verify them.
Features of Go-ethereum:
Some of the key features of Geth are as follows:
1. Geth client:
It is a software client for the Ethereum network that allows users to interact with the network in a user-friendly manner.
2. Interface:
Geth has a distinctive interface known as the Command-Line Interface (CLI) which includes multiple commands that can be used to interact with the network.
3. Consensus mechanism:
Geth supports both popular consensus mechanisms – Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS)
4. Geth wallet:
Earlier we talked about how the Geth account, when synchronized with the network, can also be used to trade Ether. To store Ether and other Ethereum-based tokens, Geth has an in-built Ethereum wallet.
5. JSON-RPC and web3.js API
Geth provides a JSON-RPC API that allows developers to interact with the Ethereum network using various programming languages. It also supports the web3.js library, which is a popular JavaScript library for interacting with the Ethereum network.
What are some other Ethereum implementations like Geth?
There are multiple Ethereum implementations that are similar to Geth and they are:
1. Parity
2. Nethermind
3. Besu
4. EthereumJS
5. Trinity
Some limitations of Go-ethereum:
While there is a number of advantages of Geth, there are some limitations as well and they are:
1. Lack of interoperability:
Geth is not much of an interoperable feature. It is ideally suited for the Ethereum blockchain and using it for some other blockchain network may hamper user experience on the whole
2. Resource-intensive:
Running a Geth node can be resource-intensive, especially while integrating the node to the network. This may take time, and demand power storage and memory.
3. Security:
Security may be an issue because Geth relies on users’ private keys. In the wake of an exogenous shock such as a hacker attack, the security could be compromised.
In conclusion, Geth is a solid client that can come in handy for those interested in knowing the Ethereum blockchain at a deeper level. Developed on the Go programming language, it is one of the widely used Ethereum implementations.