Blockchain Developer Certification Practice

What does it mean when it's stated that Ethereum has a "world computer" capability?

1. It can perform computations as efficiently as any desktop machine.

2. It can track arbitrary states globally under a consensus mechanism.

3. It provides complete resource independence for developers.

4. It eliminates the need for traditional computing infrastructure.

The correct answer is: It can track arbitrary states globally under a consensus mechanism.

The term "world computer" in the context of Ethereum refers to its ability to track arbitrary states globally under a consensus mechanism. This means that Ethereum's blockchain operates as a decentralized platform where computation is not only executed but also universally agreed upon by all participants in the network through a consensus process. This ensures that every node in the Ethereum network has the same record of transactions and computations, supporting the execution of smart contracts without requiring trust in a central authority. This capability allows developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) that can operate in an environment where any changes are visible and verifiable by all users, regardless of location. As a result, Ethereum can maintain and provide a consistent state that reflects the outcomes of all computations executed across the network. In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the essence of the "world computer" concept. While it may perform computations, the comparison to a desktop machine does not encompass the decentralization aspect. The idea of complete resource independence for developers and eliminating traditional computing infrastructure does not fully address the global, consensus-based state management that defines Ethereum’s unique capability as a "world computer."