What is Ethereum?
After its launch in 2009, Bitcoin became the powerhouse of the entire blockchain industry. However, over time it became clear that a more advanced solution was required if the technology had any chance of fulfilling the potential it promised. This is when Ethereum came along and made things a lot easier for developers who now had access to the software they didn’t have to build from scratch, which was a key factor in attracting new adopters who otherwise might have also just found another cryptocurrency to join.
Ethereum is a universal platform where anyone can create and use applications run on a decentralized network. One particularly unique aspect of Ethereum is its ability to create smart contracts, which are an agreement between two entities who communicate with one another and remain loyal to their word in an environment free from unauthorized tampering. From allowing individuals to code and use programming languages applicable to their needs and interact with other users’ applications, Ethereum allows you to use your code and provides many advanced features for complex development environments.
Ethereum markets itself as a distributed application platform and generally allows developers to create applications that can run processes on the network in a way that is similar to peer-to-peer protocols such as BitTorrent. In theory, Ethereum developers cannot be interfered with by outside forces because every node in cryptocurrency networks has the potential to affect its operation.
Today, various Ethereum-based blockchain projects are being explored and experimented with. These include Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications, crypto-lending platforms and many others.
What is a Hyperledger?
First, Hyperledger is not a cryptocurrency. More specifically, Hyperledger is more like a blockchain initiative. The initiative aims to further the development of blockchain in the business world by making it possible for various companies to share and observe how their clients interact with applications operating on blockchain technology.
The platform aims to create an environment for software and company communities that meet and coordinate to achieve the best possible results.
Hyperledger is a worldwide, open-source project to create an entire ecosystem of business blockchain technologies. It enables organizations to build robust, industry-specific applications, platforms and hardware systems. The following are the current projects:
- Hyperledger Sawtooth
- Hyperledger Iroha
- Hyperledger Fabric (Hyperledger IBM)
- Hyperledger Burrow
- Hyperledger Composer
- Hyperledger Explorer
- Hyperledger Indy
- Hyperledger Cello
- Hyperledger Sawtooth (Intel)
Hyperledger Vs Ethereum Enterprise: What Are The Main Differences?
Purpose
Ethereum is a decentralized application focused on business to consumer transactions, while Hyperledger’s blockchain system is built specifically for business-to-business transactions. Hyperledger helps businesses collaborate with developers via peer-to-peer cryptocurrencies and provides its users with the ability to make transactions involving big data.
Confidentiality
Since Ethereum is a public network, anyone can view the transactions, but only those individuals who are authorized to access the network can take part in the consensus algorithm. Hyperledger blockchain is a permissioned or ‘permissioned blockchain network’. Anyone who isn’t accredited with permission cannot join the consensus.
Smart Contracts
Smart contracts operate similarly to escrow services. The algorithm between the parties involved in the smart contract helps control the execution of transactions and associated processes. Anyone who wants to participate in a smart contract can do so without accessing each party’s confidential information. Smart contracts became popular with the creation of Ethereum. Hyperledger Fabric allows organizations to set up a chaincode similar to a smart contract. Still, it helps participants find one another more easily and make agreements regarding their transactions.
Programming Languages
Ethereum uses Solidity to develop its smart contracts, a JavaScript-like language. Hyperledger relies on Go for its chaincode, similar to Solidity, but often handles more data. Java and Python have also been used in addition to Golang and JavaScript.
Participation of Persons
Anyone on the internet can mine ether, so long as they have the computer power. The Ethereum blockchain is permission-free and decentralized – there is no one overseeing it in a manner that can restrict who has access or determine how the network runs. Hyperledger is a private blockchain that only allows its authorized members (or those granted access) to use it. Any information shared over Hyperledger is pinned into place by consensus algorithms rather than by something like PoW mining through which someone could feasibly take advantage of others’ data.
Proof-Of-Work (POW)
Since Ethereum is a decentralized network, a Proof-Of-Work (POW) mechanism runs throughout the blockchain for accounts to come to a consensus on account balances, transaction times and so forth. Ethereum offers help and security by eliminating fake transactions.
Hyperledger is a private and permissioned blockchain that doesn’t depend on a proof-of-work method to validate a transaction. It doesn’t allow the participation of any third party. It creates a secure environment with no need for anyone other than the parties involved in executing the contract to access the network.
Transaction Speed
Ethereum’s POW mechanism requires a lot of computing power to function, so it takes longer to process transactions. The POW mechanism can typically handle approximately 20 transactions per second. In contrast, Hyperledger fabric doesn’t use a POW mechanism and can process around 2,000 transactions per second due to the lack of such a requirement.
Cryptocurrency
Ethereum is a platform that has built-in support for cryptocurrency transactions. A common type of cryptocurrency used in Ethereum transactions is called Ether(ETH). Hyperledger does have its own community, but it does not have its currency transactions yet.
So Which One Should You Choose?
Both platforms have their uses. There are pros and cons, just like anything else. Still, when we set these two business-based applications against each other to determine which one you should use the most often, they come out to be pretty even in terms of being more useful for certain tasks than others. Below are some pros and cons of both platforms to help you make a better decision about your favourite platform!
Ethereum suits best in:
- Developing decentralised apps for customer use
- Creating community-led open-source apps
Hyperledger’s most famous use cases are:
- Create private applications
- Create private applications
Blockchain technology is the next big revolution and if you are considering using it to support your business goals, get in touch with Syndell. We can help regardless of what stage your project is at.
FAQs
Hyperledger or Ethereum can offer businesses several benefits, including increased security, improved scalability, and reduced transaction costs. Businesses can use Hyperledger or Ethereum to store securely and transfer data and assets, enable peer-to-peer payments, and create smart contracts. By using Hyperledger or Ethereum, businesses can benefit from increased transparency, improved traceability, and enhanced efficiency. Additionally, businesses can leverage the technology to create distributed applications and benefit from the open-source nature of the technology.
The cost associated with using Hyperledger or Ethereum will depend on various factors, such as the type of network setup, the consensus mechanism used, and the number of nodes in the network. Generally speaking, using Hyperledger or Ethereum will require an initial setup, hosting, and gas costs for each transaction. Additionally, depending on the usage amount, additional costs may be associated with running a node.
No, Hyperledger is not a cryptocurrency. Instead, Hyperledger is an open-source collaborative platform hosted by the Linux Foundation that supports the development of blockchain-based distributed ledgers. It is designed to support the development of enterprise-grade, distributed ledger applications and solutions.
No, Ethereum does not use Hyperledger. Ethereum is a blockchain-based, open-source distributed computing platform and operating system with support for smart contracts (scripting). Hyperledger, on the other hand, is a private, permissioned blockchain platform for enterprise applications. Ethereum and Hyperledger are both blockchain technologies, but their underlying architectures and purposes are distinct.
In contrast to Hyperledger, which is a private network with permissions, Ethereum can be either public or private without any restrictions. This essentially means that anyone can join Ethereum’s network at any time. Nevertheless, only members of a predetermined community of users who use Hyperledger are allowed access to the network.