Solidity
A programming language used to write smart contracts, especially on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains.
Solidity is a programming language designed for writing smart contracts, the self-executing programs that run on Ethereum and many other blockchains compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Its syntax is partly inspired by languages like JavaScript and C++, but it is built for blockchain-specific tasks such as handling addresses, tokens, balances, permissions, and contract-to-contract interactions. Once deployed, Solidity code can control digital assets according to rules written into the contract.
Solidity matters because much of the Ethereum app ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, lending protocols, and DAOs, relies on smart contracts written in it. For example, a developer might use Solidity to create a token contract that defines how many tokens exist, who owns them, and how transfers work. Because deployed contracts can be difficult or impossible to change, Solidity development places strong emphasis on testing, security reviews, and careful design before code goes live.
Other terms in Ethereum
Account Abstraction (ERC-4337)
A way for Ethereum wallets to act like smart contracts, enabling features such as gas sponsorship, account recovery, and custom transaction rules.
Beacon Chain
Ethereum’s proof-of-stake coordination layer that organizes validators and finalizes blocks for the network.
EIP
An Ethereum Improvement Proposal is a formal document used to suggest, discuss, and standardize changes to the Ethereum network or ecosystem.
ERC-1155
An Ethereum token standard that lets one smart contract create and manage multiple token types, including fungible tokens, NFTs, and semi-fungible items.