Ethereum Classic: The Uncompromising Guardian in the Blockchain World

Introduction

#ETH# The history of blockchain forks is filled with drama and controversy. The Ethereum hard fork triggered by the "The DAO" incident evolved into what we now know as Ethereum Classic (ETC), which undoubtedly prompts us to reevaluate the principle of immutability in blockchain. Are you interested in investment analysis of Ethereum Classic or ETC mining tutorials? This article will delve into its core concepts, compare the differences between Ethereum Classic and Ethereum, and examine the unique adherence to the original ideals of cryptocurrency.

The Groundbreaking Change of Blockchain Forks: The Beginning and End of the Ethereum Hard Fork Event

On June 17, 2016, the Ethereum ecosystem experienced a major crisis. A decentralized autonomous organization called "The DAO" was hacked, resulting in approximately $60 million worth of Ether being stolen. This incident sparked intense discussions within the Ethereum community, ultimately leading to a significant event in the history of blockchain forks.

In order to recover losses, the Ethereum Foundation proposed a hard fork to transfer the stolen funds back to the original holders. However, this decision sparked intense debate over the principle of blockchain immutability. Some community members argue that this contradicts the fundamental idea of "code is law."

On July 20, 2016, [Ethereum] () underwent a hard fork. After the fork, the original chain continued to operate and was known as Ethereum Classic (ETC), while the new forked chain became the current Ethereum (ETH). This fork not only changed the development trajectory of Ethereum but also had a profound impact on the entire cryptocurrency industry.

Upholding Immutability: The Core Values and Concepts of Ethereum Classic ( ETC )

Ethereum Classic (ETC) adheres to the principle of immutability of the original blockchain, which is its core value. The ETC community believes that the immutability of the blockchain is key to ensuring decentralization and resistance to censorship. They uphold the philosophy of "code is law," believing that once smart contracts are deployed, they should not be changeable.

ETC supporters believe that the value of blockchain lies in its function as an immutable record system. Any human intervention could compromise the integrity and credibility of the blockchain. This adherence to the original cryptocurrency philosophy has garnered support for ETC among certain cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

However, this insistence also brings challenges. Compared to the constantly upgrading ETH, the development speed of ETC is relatively slow. As of July 2025, the market capitalization of ETC is 3.074 billion USD, which still has a significant gap compared to ETH's 419.07 billion USD.

The Dispute Between ETC and ETH: Fundamental Differences in Technical Routes and Philosophical Concepts

The divergence between ETC and ETH is not only reflected in their technical routes but also mirrors the deep philosophical differences in the blockchain world. The table below compares the main differences between the two:

| Feature | Ethereum Classic (ETC) | Ethereum (ETH) | |------|-------------------|---------------| | Consensus Mechanism | Proof of Work (PoW) | Proof of Stake (PoS) | | Immutability | Adhere to absolute immutability | Allow modifications under community consensus | | Development Speed | Relatively Slow | Rapid Iteration | | Market Cap (July 2025) | 3.074 billion USD | 419.07 billion USD | | Ecosystem Scale | Smaller | Larger |

ETC insists on using the Proof of Work (PoW) mechanism, believing that this can best ensure the decentralization and security of the network. In contrast, ETH has shifted to a Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanism to enhance efficiency and scalability.

In terms of development philosophy, ETC tends to be more conservative and stable, while ETH pursues rapid innovation. This difference is also reflected in the market performance of the two. Although ETC's price has increased by 30.32% in the past 90 days, it still lags behind ETH's increase of 118.28%.

The Current Status of the Ethereum Classic Ecosystem: Analysis of Investment Value and Mining Opportunities

Despite facing challenges, Ethereum Classic still maintains a certain market position. As of July 2025, the trading price of ETC is $20.13, with a 24-hour trading volume of $238 million. This indicates that ETC still has a certain level of market activity and liquidity.

For investors, ETC may represent a unique value proposition. Its adherence to the original blockchain philosophy may become an advantage in certain situations. However, investors also need to weigh the risks posed by ETC's relatively small ecosystem and limited development speed.

In terms of mining, ETC still provides opportunities for miners. Due to its adherence to the PoW mechanism, ETC offers a continuous source of income for participants who have mining equipment. However, with the changes in the cryptocurrency market, the profitability of ETC mining is also constantly changing.

Overall, Ethereum Classic serves as an uncompromising guardian in the blockchain world, continuing to play a unique role in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Its adherence to original principles is both a challenge and an opportunity, and its future development remains worthy of ongoing attention.

Conclusion

This article explores the important role of Ethereum Classic (ETC) in upholding immutability within the blockchain world. It delves into the impact of the 2016 Ethereum hard fork event on the cryptocurrency ecosystem and compares the fundamental divergences between ETC and ETH in terms of technical direction and philosophical concepts. By articulating ETC's value proposition, the article caters to readers interested in blockchain immutability and decentralization, as well as investors seeking mining opportunities. The content is clearly structured, sequentially covering historical background, adherence to ideology, technical comparisons, and market analysis, allowing readers to quickly grasp the core points.