This is a detailed explanation of the operation principle of Ethereum blockchain technology:

1. Nodes and Distributed Ledger

• Nodes: The Ethereum network is composed of many nodes, which are computers running Ethereum software. These nodes store a copy of the entire blockchain and validate transactions and blocks.

• Distributed Ledger: Blockchain is a growing list of records, called blocks, linked and secured using cryptography. Each node on the network maintains a copy of this ledger, ensuring that no single entity controls the data.

2. Trade

• Creating a transaction: Users create transactions to transfer Ether (ETH) or execute smart contracts. Each transaction includes the sender's address, the receiver's address, the amount of Ether to be transferred, and any relevant data (e.g., for smart contract interaction).

• Signing Transaction: The transaction is signed using the sender's private key to ensure authenticity and non-repudiation. The signature proves that the transaction was initiated by the account holder.

• Broadcast transaction: Once signed, the transaction will be broadcast to the Ethereum network and added to the pending transaction pool.

3. Mining and Consensus

• Proof of Work (PoW): Currently, Ethereum uses a Proof of Work consensus mechanism. Miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and create new blocks. The miner who solves the problem first adds the new block to the blockchain and receives newly minted Ether coins and transaction fees as a reward.

• Proof of Stake (PoS): Ethereum is transitioning to Proof of Stake for Ethereum 2.0. In PoS, validators are selected based on the amount of Ether they hold and are willing to stake as collateral. Validators create new blocks, validate transactions, and earn rewards through transaction fees and newly minted Ether.

• Block Creation: Once miners or validators solve the problem, they will create a new block containing a set of validated transactions. The block is then broadcast to the network.

• Consensus: Other nodes on the network validate the new block. If the block is valid, it will be added to their copy of the blockchain. This process ensures that all nodes maintain a consistent and accurate ledger version.

4. Smart Contract

• Smart Contracts: Ethereum allows the creation and execution of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with terms directly written into the code. These contracts will automatically execute when predetermined conditions are met.

• Deployment: Smart contracts are deployed to the Ethereum blockchain with their own unique address. Once deployed, they can be interacted with by sending transactions to their address.

• Execution: When a transaction is sent to a smart contract, the contract's code is executed on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) on every node in the network. This ensures that the contract's state is consistently updated across the entire network.

5. Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)

• EVM: EVM is the execution environment for smart contracts. It allows developers to write code in high-level languages such as Solidity and Vyper, and then compile it into bytecode that can be executed by EVM.

• Execution: The EVM executes the bytecode of smart contracts to ensure that all transactions and contract interactions are processed correctly and securely.

6. Gas and Fees

• Gas: Gas is the unit of measurement for the computational effort required to process transactions on the Ethereum network. Each transaction operation or each operation in the execution of a smart contract requires a certain amount of gas.

• Gas fees: Users must pay gas fees to compensate network validators for their work. The cost of gas will vary based on network congestion and other factors. Gas fees ensure the network remains secure and efficient by preventing spam and incentivizing validators.

7. Security and immutability

• Cryptography: Ethereum uses cryptographic technology to ensure the security and integrity of the blockchain. Transactions and blocks are protected using digital signatures and cryptographic hashes.

• Immutability: Once a block is added to the blockchain, it becomes very difficult to modify it. This immutability ensures that the transaction history is tamper-proof and trustworthy.

8. Decentralization

• Decentralized Network: The decentralized nature of Ethereum means that there is no single entity controlling the network. This decentralization enhances security, resilience, and transparency.

• Community Governance: The Ethereum community plays an important role in the development and governance of the platform. Proposals for changes and upgrades are discussed and implemented through a collaborative process.

Conclusion

The blockchain technology of Ethereum records the execution of transactions and smart contracts by maintaining a decentralized, distributed ledger. It uses a consensus mechanism (currently PoW, transitioning to PoS) to ensure that all nodes on the network reach consensus on the state of the ledger. Smart contracts enable automated, trustless interactions, while the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) provides a secure environment for executing these contracts. Gas fees ensure the network remains efficient and secure. The combination of these features makes Ethereum a powerful platform for decentralized applications and financial services.