Why do all Ethereum addresses start with “1”?
A perennial question that has baffled developers, users, and even some enthusiasts. As we delve into the intricacies of Ethereum’s addressing system, it becomes clear why addresses like “1” start with that particular number. In this article, we’ll explore the history, mechanics, and implications of these unique addresses.
Brief History
The first block on the Ethereum blockchain was mined on January 3, 2015. Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin chose to use “1” as the starting point for his addressing system in an attempt to simplify and standardize the way users interacted with the network.
In those early days, each address was generated using a unique number between 0 and 2^256 – 1. However, this presented a problem: the first block of the Ethereum blockchain only had a limited transaction capacity, and the mined addresses exceeded the available pool. To solve this problem, Vitalik Buterin decided to take an alternative approach.
“1” as a starting point
Starting with “1”, the addressing system was able to accommodate all possible hexadecimal values (0-65535). This meant that the first block of transactions could contain anywhere from 62,626 to 131,072 unique addresses. With each subsequent block, the number of available addresses grew exponentially.
This decision was not made lightly; in fact, it required significant changes to Ethereum’s smart contract architecture and the underlying data structures used by the blockchain. However, these changes ultimately allowed for a more efficient and scalable network that could handle increasing transaction volumes.
Why can’t we just delete “1”?
One might wonder why deleting “1” from addresses wouldn’t be enough to solve the problem. The answer lies in the underlying mathematics of Ethereum’s addressing system.
In essence, the number 1 has no inherent meaning or value; it simply represents the first possible hexadecimal value. By using this convention, Vitalik Buterin ensured that all addresses could still function properly and efficiently even if we removed the “1” from them.
To illustrate this point, consider a simple example:
If you had an address like “11111111”, removing the “1” would result in the hexadecimal value “00000000”. However, this does not affect the functionality of that address. In fact, most users will likely not even notice the change.
Conclusion
Using “1” as the starting point for Ethereum addresses may seem arbitrary at first glance. However, its implementation was a deliberate design choice that helped ensure the scalability and efficiency of the network. By using this convention, Vitalik Buterin created a stable and scalable addressing system that could handle an ever-increasing number of transactions.
As we continue to explore the intricacies of Ethereum, it is important to appreciate the thought and effort that went into developing this groundbreaking technology. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just want to understand the inner workings of blockchain networks, the “1” addresses remain a fascinating example of how clever design can shape the world around us.
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