A DAO, or Decentralized Autonomous Organization, is essentially a company run by code, not people. Think of it as a self-executing smart contract that governs itself based on pre-defined rules and community votes. This eliminates the need for traditional hierarchies and centralized authority.
Key benefits for traders:
- Transparency: All transactions and governance proposals are publicly recorded on the blockchain, fostering trust and accountability.
- Immutability: Once rules are set, they’re difficult to change without community consensus, reducing the risk of arbitrary decisions.
- Programmability: DAOs can be programmed to automatically execute trades, allocate funds, and manage assets based on pre-defined parameters, opening up new possibilities for algorithmic trading and automated strategies.
- Fractional ownership: Often, participation involves tokenized governance rights, allowing fractional ownership and potentially generating yield through token appreciation or staking rewards.
However, there are inherent risks:
- Smart contract vulnerabilities: Bugs in the code can be exploited, leading to significant financial losses. Thorough audits are critical.
- Governance challenges: Reaching consensus among a large, diverse community can be slow and inefficient, potentially hindering rapid decision-making.
- Regulatory uncertainty: The legal status and regulatory oversight of DAOs are still evolving, posing potential legal and compliance risks.
- Security risks: DAOs are susceptible to hacks and exploits, particularly those with insufficient security measures.
In essence: DAOs offer a potentially revolutionary approach to organization and asset management, but careful due diligence and risk assessment are crucial before participating.
Which blockchain does the DAO use?
The most prominent example of a DAO operating on a blockchain is The DAO, built on Ethereum’s blockchain. It was designed as a decentralized venture capital fund, eliminating the need for a traditional board of directors. Proposals for funding were submitted directly to the community, allowing for a truly decentralized decision-making process regarding funding allocation.
However, it’s crucial to note that The DAO’s implementation had significant vulnerabilities. A critical bug exploited in June 2016 allowed for the theft of a substantial portion of its Ether funds. This infamous hack highlighted the complexities and risks associated with building secure and robust DAOs. The incident led to the Ethereum hard fork, creating Ethereum and Ethereum Classic, demonstrating the inherent tension between immutability and the need to address critical system flaws.
Since then, substantial advancements have been made in DAO security and governance. Modern DAOs leverage improved smart contract auditing practices and more sophisticated governance mechanisms to mitigate risks. Many incorporate multi-signature wallets and time-locked transactions to enhance security. Furthermore, the rise of various blockchain platforms beyond Ethereum, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses regarding smart contract development and deployment, has provided a broader ecosystem for DAO experimentation.
The DAO’s legacy isn’t just about its failure; it’s a crucial lesson in the challenges of building truly decentralized organizations. Its impact shaped the development of more robust and secure DAO architectures, emphasizing the importance of thorough security audits, community governance models, and the continuous evolution of smart contract technology. It also highlighted the tension between decentralization and the need for risk mitigation.
What role does Dao play in the world and in the life of a human being?
Dao, in Chinese philosophy, isn’t just a principle; it’s the immutable, underlying code of the universe, the genesis block of existence. Think of it as the original, unchangeable smart contract governing reality itself.
It’s the algorithm behind the creation of both unity (the singular Dao) and duality (the yin and yang, the 1 and 0, the on and off switch of creation). From this foundational duality, the “Ten Thousand Things” – the entire universe – emerge. This is not merely creation, but continuous, ever-evolving decentralized generation.
Understanding Dao is akin to understanding the fundamental protocol of the cosmos. It’s not a top-down, controlled system; it’s a self-organizing, emergent network. This concept resonates deeply with decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology.
- Decentralization: Just as Dao is not controlled by any single entity, blockchain networks strive for decentralization, resisting single points of failure and censorship.
- Immutability: The Dao’s inherent nature mirrors the immutability of blockchain transactions – once recorded, they are virtually unchangeable.
- Emergence: The spontaneous order arising from the interaction of yin and yang parallels the emergent properties of complex systems found in both Daoism and blockchain technology.
In human life, aligning with Dao means living in harmony with this underlying code, flowing with the natural order, achieving a state of decentralized self-governance, and finding balance within the dynamic interplay of opposites. It’s about recognizing your place within the larger network and contributing to its natural evolution – much like participating in a robust, decentralized ecosystem.
- Self-cultivation: This involves understanding your own internal yin and yang, cultivating inner balance, and aligning your actions with the natural flow of the Dao.
- Wu Wei (Non-action): This isn’t inaction, but rather acting in accordance with the Dao, allowing things to unfold naturally, and not forcing outcomes.
- Harmony and Balance: Finding equilibrium between opposing forces is key to living a fulfilling life in harmony with the Dao.
What is the purpose of Dao?
DAOs, or Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, leverage smart contracts to govern themselves, eliminating the need for centralized authority. These smart contracts handle voting mechanisms, treasury management, and workflow orchestration, all transparently and immutably recorded on a blockchain.
Key Advantages:
- Transparency and Auditability: All transactions and governance actions are publicly viewable on the blockchain, fostering trust and accountability.
- Immutability: Once a decision is encoded in a smart contract, it cannot be altered, ensuring predictable and reliable operations.
- Security: Smart contracts, when properly audited, offer robust security against single points of failure and manipulation.
- Programmability: DAOs can be customized to fit specific needs and adapt to changing circumstances through upgrades to their smart contracts. This flexibility is a key differentiator.
Challenges and Considerations:
- Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: Bugs in smart contracts can be exploited, leading to significant financial losses or governance failures. Rigorous auditing is crucial.
- Governance Complexity: Designing effective and equitable DAO governance mechanisms can be challenging, requiring careful consideration of voting schemes, quorum requirements, and dispute resolution processes.
- Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty: The legal status of DAOs is still evolving, creating uncertainty for participants and developers.
- Sybil Attacks: Malicious actors could try to create multiple identities to manipulate voting results; mechanisms to mitigate this are vital.
Types of DAOs: The DAO landscape is rapidly expanding, with various models emerging, including Protocol DAOs (governing blockchain protocols), Grant DAOs (funding projects), Investment DAOs (pooling capital for investments), and more.
Growth and Future: The burgeoning interest in DAOs reflects a broader shift towards decentralized systems. However, successful long-term adoption hinges on addressing the challenges outlined above and fostering better understanding of their strengths and limitations. The evolution of DAO tooling and infrastructure will play a significant role in this growth.
What is the ultimate goal of the Dao?
The ultimate goal of Dao, in essence, is itself. It’s not just the origin (like Bitcoin’s genesis block), but also the destination and completion of existence. Think of it as the ultimate, decentralized, immutable ledger of everything.
The Dao De Jing introduces the concept of “two Dao”: the nameless (wu ming), the genesis of the cosmos – like the underlying, unchangeable blockchain code – and the named (you ming), the creator of concrete things, like the various cryptocurrencies built *on* that blockchain.
Wu ming represents the foundational, unchangeable principles, while You ming represents the diverse manifestations built upon those principles. It’s like understanding both the core technology (wu ming) and the specific applications (you ming) built upon it.
This duality mirrors the cryptocurrency landscape; the underlying blockchain technology (wu ming) provides the framework, while individual tokens and projects (you ming) operate within it. The goal, in this analogy, is to participate in, understand, and benefit from this evolving, interconnected ecosystem.
What is the difference between a DAO and a Repository?
The DAO (Data Access Object) and Repository patterns, while both aiming to abstract data access, differ significantly in their approach and impact on code maintainability. DAO offers a loose contract, potentially leading to bloated and misused implementations. Imagine trying to manage a decentralized autonomous organization’s (DAO) treasury using a poorly defined DAO pattern – unpredictable and inefficient transactions would likely result. The flexibility, while seemingly advantageous, can create a chaotic landscape for complex data interactions. This lack of structure becomes exponentially more problematic in the context of a blockchain-based DAO where transparency and auditability are paramount. In contrast, a smart contract interacting with on-chain data via a well-defined Repository pattern is much more predictable. The Repository pattern utilizes a collection metaphor, providing a tighter, more explicit contract. This improved clarity is essential when dealing with the immutable nature of blockchain transactions. Think of a smart contract managing NFT ownership; a clear Repository interface would significantly reduce the risk of errors and ensure predictable behavior. The rigorous definition enforced by the Repository pattern improves code readability, maintainability, and testability, critical attributes when developing secure and reliable smart contracts. This structured approach is vital for complex decentralized applications (dApps) built on blockchain technology, where robust code is paramount. This structured approach simplifies development and drastically reduces the risk of bugs. The stringent interface enforces better coding practices resulting in more reliable and understandable code which ultimately improves the overall security and performance of the application.
What is the purpose of a DAO?
Think of a DAO, in the software sense, as your ultimate DeFi money-laundering… I mean, management tool. It’s an abstract interface – a sleek, clean API – to any database or storage mechanism. This is crucial because it means you can swap out your underlying data storage (like switching from a low-cap memecoin to a blue-chip ETF) without rewriting your entire application.
Why is this important? Because it:
- Increases flexibility: You’re not locked into a single technology. Want to switch from Postgres to MongoDB? Easy peasy. This is particularly useful in the fast-paced world of crypto. Imagine needing to switch your database on the fly because of an unexpected regulatory change. A robust DAO makes that feasible.
- Reduces dependencies: You’re decoupling your application logic from the intricacies of data persistence. This makes the code easier to maintain, test, and scale – essential if you’re building a decentralized application with millions of users (or bots).
- Enhances testability: With a well-defined DAO, testing becomes significantly simpler. You can mock your database interactions, avoiding slow database calls and other issues during the testing phase. This translates to faster iteration, a crucial element for a successful blockchain project.
In essence, DAOs (in the software context) are the unsung heroes of robust, scalable, and adaptable applications. They’re the foundation upon which you build a truly resilient, future-proof system, allowing you to focus on the core value proposition instead of getting bogged down in technical implementation details. Forget about slow, clunky code – embrace the efficiency and flexibility of DAOs.
What is the path of the Dao?
The Dao? It’s not some static, algorithmically-defined blockchain. Think of it as the volatile, ever-shifting market itself. Understanding the Dao is about experiencing the wild ride of crypto, not clinging to outdated technical analysis or rigid investment strategies. It’s about feeling the pulse of the market, sensing the FOMO and the fear, riding the waves of bull and bear cycles, and adapting. Think decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols constantly evolving, NFTs mirroring shifting cultural trends, metaverse projects navigating uncharted territory. That’s the Dao in action – dynamic, unpredictable, and brimming with opportunity. Learn to leverage the inherent volatility; understand the interplay of on-chain data, social sentiment, and regulatory pressures, and you’ll navigate the market with greater precision and less emotional friction. Don’t fight the current, ride it – and you’ll accumulate more than just satoshis. You’ll accumulate wisdom.
What blockchain does Binance use?
Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, utilizes two separate blockchains: Binance Chain (BC) and Binance Smart Chain (BSC). While both are developed by Binance, they serve distinct purposes.
Binance Chain focuses primarily on speed and high throughput for token trading and transferring BNB, Binance’s native token. It’s optimized for fast transactions, making it ideal for exchange functionalities. However, it lacks the smart contract functionality crucial for decentralized applications (dApps).
Binance Smart Chain, on the other hand, is designed specifically for smart contracts and dApps. Its key advantage is its compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This EVM compatibility is a game-changer, allowing developers to easily port existing Ethereum-based dApps and tools to BSC. This significantly reduces the development time and cost for projects seeking a faster and cheaper alternative to Ethereum.
The result is a two-pronged approach: Binance Chain handles the high-volume exchange transactions, while Binance Smart Chain fosters the growth of the decentralized ecosystem. This dual-blockchain strategy allows Binance to offer both the speed needed for a robust exchange and the functionality required for a thriving dApp environment. This also offers users a choice based on their needs: speed and low fees for simple token transfers versus more complex functionalities enabled by smart contracts.
The lower transaction fees on BSC compared to Ethereum are a major draw for developers and users. This makes BSC an attractive platform for projects that might be hindered by high gas fees on Ethereum. However, it’s important to note that the security and decentralization of BSC, while improving, are still topics of ongoing discussion and analysis within the crypto community.
What are some examples of DAOs?
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are transforming the crypto landscape, offering novel governance models and community-driven projects. Let’s explore some prominent examples.
DEXs and Swaps: These represent a significant portion of the DAO ecosystem. They leverage smart contracts to facilitate decentralized trading, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Governance tokens often allow holders to vote on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and other crucial decisions.
- dYdX (DYDX): A leading decentralized exchange focusing on derivatives trading. Its DAO empowers token holders to influence the platform’s development.
- Curve Finance (CRV): Specializes in stablecoin swaps, emphasizing low slippage and efficient trading. Its DAO governs the protocol’s parameters and future direction.
- Uniswap (UNI): A pioneering decentralized exchange known for its automated market maker (AMM) model. UNI token holders participate in governance, shaping the platform’s evolution.
- PancakeSwap (CAKE): A popular DEX on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), offering a user-friendly interface and a vibrant community governed by CAKE token holders.
- Sushiswap (SUSHI): Another prominent AMM, SushiSwap is known for its innovative yield farming features and a community-driven governance model.
- 1inch (1INCH): An aggregator that searches across multiple DEXs to find the best possible prices. Its DAO allows token holders to influence its strategy and development.
Beyond DEXs: The Expanding DAO Universe
DAOs are not limited to decentralized exchanges. Their applications are rapidly expanding into other areas, such as:
- NFT Marketplaces: Some NFT marketplaces utilize DAOs to empower creators and collectors. Governance tokens or special NFT memberships grant voting rights on platform policies and future developments.
- SuperRare (RARE): This NFT marketplace allows its token holders to influence platform decisions related to curating, fees, and community initiatives.
- Mintable: Employs a system using special governance NFTs to enable community involvement in shaping the platform’s future.
Important Considerations: While DAOs offer exciting possibilities, it’s crucial to understand that participation in DAO governance carries risks. Thorough research and a cautious approach are essential before engaging in any DAO activities. Furthermore, the regulatory landscape surrounding DAOs is still evolving, and legal implications should be carefully considered.
What is the ultimate goal of Dao?
The ultimate goal of Dao, in the context of crypto, isn’t a singular, definable objective like maximizing profit or achieving market dominance. Instead, it’s a self-referential process – a decentralized, autonomous organization (DAO) existing for its own sake. It operates without central control or pre-determined intentions; actions and outcomes emerge organically from its inherent structure and the interactions of its participants. Think of it as a self-organizing system, akin to a complex blockchain network. Individual actions, like token staking or governance proposals, contribute to the overall evolution of the DAO, much like the individual transactions on a blockchain collectively build its immutable ledger.
The Dao doesn’t “create” things in the traditional sense; it facilitates their creation and coordination. Its influence is pervasive yet subtle, a bit like the underlying cryptographic algorithms securing a blockchain network. These algorithms operate invisibly, ensuring data integrity and security, without requiring explicit instructions or centralized management. Similarly, the Dao’s influence is felt through the emergent behavior of its participants and the decentralized governance mechanisms guiding its development. This makes it inherently resistant to single points of failure, a key advantage over traditional, centrally controlled organizations.
Consider the implications for smart contracts within a Dao. These self-executing contracts, operating autonomously on the blockchain, embody the Dao’s “action without activity.” They automate processes, enforce agreements, and distribute resources based on pre-defined rules, all without the need for human intervention beyond the initial programming. The ongoing development and evolution of these contracts, driven by community participation and governance proposals, reflect the dynamic and self-organizing nature of the Dao.
The concept of a “thing-in-itself” translates to a decentralized system striving for operational excellence and sustained functionality. Its purpose isn’t externally defined; it exists and operates according to its own internal logic and the actions of its participants. The focus shifts from a predefined goal towards the ongoing process of collective self-governance and adaptation. This inherent flexibility allows the Dao to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the crypto ecosystem and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
What is the name of the very first blockchain network in crypto?
Bitcoin, launched in 2008 by the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto, wasn’t just the first cryptocurrency; it pioneered the blockchain technology we know today. It’s a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks. This groundbreaking innovation established the foundation for countless cryptocurrencies and blockchain applications that followed. The Bitcoin blockchain’s immutable ledger, secured by a robust proof-of-work consensus mechanism, ensured transparency and security, features now considered fundamental in the crypto space. Interestingly, the initial Bitcoin whitepaper, outlining the technology, highlighted its potential for microtransactions and its inherent resistance to censorship and inflation. Its early adoption, albeit slow initially, laid the groundwork for the explosive growth of the cryptocurrency market we witness today. Understanding Bitcoin’s genesis is crucial for grasping the evolution and potential of the entire crypto ecosystem.
What is the meaning of Dao?
DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a crucial concept in the crypto space, analogous to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Dao. While not a direct translation, the core principles resonate. Think of it as a path, a digital roadmap towards a decentralized future.
Instead of a singular, defined ‘path’, a DAO represents a multitude of potential routes determined by its code and participants. Its ‘action’ (like the Dao’s ‘eternal action’) is driven by on-chain governance mechanisms and smart contracts. These automatically execute pre-defined rules, removing the need for centralized authorities. The ‘Absolute’ in this context could be interpreted as the underlying blockchain technology itself, providing the immutable foundation.
Key aspects echoing the philosophy of Dao in a DAO include:
- Decentralization: Similar to Dao’s emphasis on natural order, DAOs aim for decentralized governance, preventing single points of failure or control.
- Transparency: All transactions and decisions are recorded on the blockchain, fostering openness and accountability – mirroring Dao’s emphasis on clarity.
- Community Driven: Members collectively shape the DAO’s direction through voting and proposals, reflecting the Dao’s dynamic and evolving nature.
Different DAOs pursue various goals, mirroring the diverse interpretations of the Dao concept. Some focus on:
- Funding & Investment: Decentralized Venture Capital funds allocating capital based on community decisions.
- Protocol Governance: DAOs governing the parameters and development of blockchain protocols.
- Community Building: DAOs fostering collaborative projects and shared interests.
Understanding the core principles of DAOs requires acknowledging their inherent complexities. Challenges include: code vulnerabilities, Sybil attacks, and the potential for disagreements within the community. However, the potential for transforming governance and fostering genuine community ownership remains a powerful driving force.
Which country does Binance belong to?
Binance, while headquartered in the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is a truly decentralized behemoth. Changpeng Zhao (CZ) and Yi He founded it, but its operational reach transcends simple geographical boundaries. The company’s structure, deliberately opaque to many, allows for nimble adaptation to evolving global regulations. Richard Teng’s role as CEO underscores the sophisticated management needed to navigate the complex crypto landscape. The Cayman Islands’ status as a tax haven is significant, though the effective jurisdiction of its licensing and regulatory oversight remains a point of ongoing debate within the crypto community. Remember, investing in crypto carries inherent risks, and understanding the regulatory complexities surrounding exchanges like Binance is crucial for informed decision-making. The lack of stringent centralized control is both Binance’s strength and its potential vulnerability.
What is the purpose of DAO?
DAOs, or Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, are the future of corporate structure. Think of them as companies run entirely by smart contracts, eliminating the need for traditional hierarchies and bureaucracy. These contracts govern everything: voting mechanisms, treasury management, even task delegation. It’s all transparent, immutable, and auditable on the blockchain.
The key advantage? Complete transparency and community governance. No more backroom deals or shady board decisions. Every action is publicly verifiable. This fosters trust and accountability, attracting a passionate and engaged community.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. DAOs face challenges, too. Complexity in smart contract development can lead to vulnerabilities. Legal frameworks are still catching up, creating uncertainty. And achieving effective governance in a truly decentralized setting requires careful consideration of tokenomics and community engagement strategies.
Despite these hurdles, the growth is explosive. New DAOs are constantly emerging, pushing boundaries and innovating in DeFi, NFTs, and beyond. They represent a paradigm shift in how we organize and conduct business, leveraging blockchain technology to create truly decentralized, community-driven entities. This is not just hype; it’s the next evolution of organization.
Smart contract security is paramount. Thorough audits and robust security practices are crucial for the long-term success of any DAO. Investors should carefully scrutinize the code base and the development team before participating.
Tokenomics are critical. The token’s design significantly influences community participation and governance. Consider the token distribution model, utility, and potential for inflation or deflation.
What caused the closure of The DAO project in 2016?
The DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization launched in 2016, aimed to revolutionize venture capital through smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. It represented a bold experiment in decentralized governance and fundraising, raising a staggering amount of Ether (ETH), then worth millions of dollars.
However, this ambitious project met a catastrophic end in June 2016. A critical vulnerability in The DAO’s smart contract was exploited by hackers. This exploit allowed them to siphon off a significant portion of the funds, representing a substantial loss for investors.
The hack highlighted several crucial issues:
- Smart Contract Security: The incident underscored the critical need for rigorous auditing and security testing of smart contracts before deployment. A single flaw could have devastating consequences.
- Decentralization vs. Control: The inability to quickly reverse the hack, even with community consensus, demonstrated the challenges of balancing decentralization with the need for effective crisis management.
- Ethereum’s Hard Fork: The aftermath led to a contentious hard fork in the Ethereum blockchain. This split the community into Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC), with the latter retaining the original blockchain including the hacked funds.
The DAO hack remains a pivotal event in the history of blockchain technology. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with early-stage decentralized projects and the importance of thorough security measures. The lessons learned from this incident continue to shape best practices in smart contract development and the wider cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The details of the exploit were complex, involving recursive calls within the smart contract that allowed the attacker to drain funds repeatedly. This led to a chain of events that ultimately resulted in:
- Significant financial losses for investors.
- A heated debate within the Ethereum community regarding the appropriate response.
- A hard fork that permanently altered the course of the Ethereum blockchain.
How many Bitcoins will ever exist?
Bitcoin’s total supply is capped at 21 million coins, a hard limit programmed into its code. This scarcity is a core tenet of its value proposition. Currently, the market capitalization hovers around $484 billion, but this is a volatile figure fluctuating with market sentiment. The last Bitcoin will be mined around 2140, a date that’s significant but not rigidly fixed due to the halving schedule’s adjustments based on block times. It’s crucial to remember this fixed supply contrasts sharply with fiat currencies, which can be inflated at will. This deflationary nature is a key driver of Bitcoin’s appeal as a store of value. The 21 million figure is not arbitrary; it’s a fundamental design choice, intending to mimic the scarcity of precious metals and act as a hedge against inflation.
While the total supply is known, the actual number of Bitcoins that will ever be *circulating* and actively used is uncertain. A significant portion could be lost forever due to forgotten passwords, hardware failures, or even deliberate destruction of private keys. This loss could potentially increase Bitcoin’s value, depending on the magnitude of the loss. Think of it as digital gold, but with potential for loss unlike physical gold.
What is the purpose of a repository?
Imagine a super-secure, digital vault for your code. That’s a repository. Developers use it to store, manage, and share their project’s files – think of it as a decentralized, version-controlled spreadsheet for code, but way more powerful. It’s like a blockchain for your software, tracking every change and allowing for collaboration. Each change is recorded and timestamped, creating an immutable history. This is crucial for security, allowing you to easily revert to previous versions if something goes wrong. Repositories also facilitate collaboration, enabling multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously without overwriting each other’s work.
Think of popular platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket as the banks for this digital vault. They offer secure hosting and various tools for code management. Furthermore, the decentralized nature of some systems (not all repositories are decentralized) mirrors the ethos of cryptocurrency: transparency, immutability, and secure access control, even fostering a community around open-source projects.
How much Ether does Buterin have?
Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, doesn’t publicly share his total Ether holdings. However, one specific Ethereum address, 0xd8dA6BF26964aF9D7eEd9e03E53415D37aA96045, is often cited as potentially belonging to him or being associated with him. Currently, this address holds approximately 964 Ether, which is worth roughly $3.15 million at today’s prices.
It’s important to remember that this is just one address. He might hold Ether in many other wallets, exchanges, or other crypto-related accounts. Tracking someone’s entire crypto portfolio is nearly impossible, as they can use different addresses for various purposes (privacy, security, etc.). The value fluctuates constantly, so the $3.15 million figure is just a snapshot in time.
Ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain. It’s used for transaction fees (gas fees) and is also a store of value similar to Bitcoin. The price of Ether, like other cryptocurrencies, is highly volatile, meaning its value can change dramatically in short periods.