Ethereum Name Service (ENS)

ENS works through Ethereum smart contracts rather than a traditional central registry. Names are organised in a hierarchy, so the holder of a domain can manage records and create subdomains under it. This resembles the structure of the internet’s Domain Name System, but the control logic, ownership records, and resolution process are handled through blockchain-based registrars and resolvers. ENS also supports reverse resolution, allowing a wallet address to display a primary human-readable name in compatible apps.

The protocol is widely integrated across wallets, exchanges, NFT platforms, decentralised applications, and developer tools. It reduces friction in crypto payments and on-chain identity by giving users a portable name that can travel across services. ENS also allows owners of conventional DNS domains to connect those names to ENS records, linking web2 and web3 naming systems.

The ENS token is associated with governance of the protocol. Token holders can participate in decisions affecting parameters, treasury use, and future development through the ENS DAO, helping steer a public naming infrastructure used across the Ethereum ecosystem.