All terms
Human readable names that resolve to blockchain addresses.
A name service maps something memorable like yourname.eth to a long hex address. Wallets resolve the name automatically when you send.
Beyond convenience it reduces mistakes, because reading a name is far more reliable than checking 42 characters.
ENS on Ethereum, Basenames on Base and SNS on Solana all do the same job for their ecosystems.
That a name is permanent once bought. Most are registrations with a renewal date, and an expired name can be taken by somebody else along with everything pointed at it. It is a lease, and the diary entry matters.
Common questions
Do I still need the underlying address?
Does one name work on every chain?
Where this comes up on the site
The guides that actually use this word, rather than a list of everything we have written.
Where to go next
More technology terms
Want this explained out loud?
Some of these land faster in conversation than in writing. Sessions are one to one and you can ask anything, including the things that feel too obvious to ask.