Ethereum Classic (ETC) stands as a resilient, immutable blockchain rooted in the original vision of decentralized consensus. For developers seeking a censorship-resistant, predictable environment to deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), ETC offers a compelling platform. Built on a Turing-complete Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Ethereum Classic supports the same robust development standards as Ethereum, enabling seamless portability of tools, languages, and logic.
Whether you're exploring DeFi, NFTs, multisignature wallets, or innovative dApps limited only by imagination, ETC provides the foundation for trustless execution—without risk of network intervention, transaction censorship, or unexpected protocol changes.
👉 Discover powerful tools and resources to start building on a secure, open blockchain today.
How to Develop Applications on Ethereum Classic
Developing on Ethereum Classic is straightforward for anyone familiar with Ethereum. The core programming language, Solidity, works identically on both chains. Development frameworks like Hardhat, Truffle, and Foundry are fully compatible. You can write, test, and debug your smart contracts using the same workflows you already know.
The key difference lies not in syntax or tooling—but in network configuration. While the code may be the same, deployment targets vary. Ethereum Classic operates with Chain ID 61 (for mainnet), whereas Ethereum uses Chain ID 1. Ensuring your development environment points to the correct network is essential to avoid deploying to the wrong chain.
To begin:
- Configure your wallet (e.g., MetaMask) to connect to the ETC network.
- Set the correct RPC endpoint (e.g.,
https://etc.rivet.link). - Use Chain ID 61 in your deployment scripts.
- Acquire ETC tokens to cover gas fees for deployment and interactions.
Once configured, your dApp logic—be it a token standard like ERC-20 or ERC-721, a decentralized exchange, or a lending protocol—can be compiled and deployed just as it would on Ethereum.
Interoperability and Accessing External Assets
While Ethereum Classic maintains its own independent ecosystem, developers often need access to assets originating from other blockchains—especially Ethereum. Fortunately, several solutions exist:
- Wrapped Assets: Tokens such as wETH (wrapped Ether) allow Ethereum-based value to be represented on ETC.
- Cross-Chain Bridges: Secure interoperability protocols enable asset transfer between ETC and other chains. These bridges support two-way movement while maintaining cryptographic integrity.
- Native Deployment: Instead of relying on external dependencies, some teams choose to deploy their own versions of popular protocols directly on ETC—such as creating a native DEX or liquidity pool.
This flexibility empowers developers to either integrate with broader ecosystems or build self-contained applications that leverage ETC’s unique advantages: immutability, transparency, and resistance to third-party interference.
👉 Access developer-friendly infrastructure and explore how cross-chain innovation thrives on ETC.
Funding Opportunities for ETC Developers
Building on Ethereum Classic doesn’t have to be self-funded. Several initiatives have emerged over the years to support developers contributing to the ETC ecosystem.
One prominent example is the ETC Grants DAO, launched in 2023. This decentralized autonomous organization allocates funding to projects advancing Ethereum Classic through grants. From core protocol improvements to user-facing dApps and educational content, the Grants DAO evaluates proposals based on impact, feasibility, and community benefit.
Because Ethereum Classic does not maintain a centralized treasury, funding relies heavily on external contributions—both financial and in-kind. This includes:
- Donations from individuals and organizations
- Volunteer development efforts
- Bounty programs for bug fixes or feature implementations
This model reinforces ETC’s philosophy of decentralization: no single entity controls the roadmap or funding. Instead, progress emerges organically from community-driven collaboration.
Developers interested in applying for grants should review past funded projects, prepare a clear proposal outlining goals and deliverables, and engage with the community via official channels.
Contributing to the Ethereum Classic Protocol
Beyond building dApps, developers can directly influence the evolution of the Ethereum Classic protocol itself.
The ECIP (Ethereum Classic Improvement Proposal) process serves as the primary mechanism for suggesting upgrades. Similar to Ethereum’s EIPs, ECIPs outline technical specifications for changes to the network—ranging from consensus rules and virtual machine enhancements to data structure optimizations.
Anyone can submit an ECIP. The process involves:
- Drafting a detailed proposal.
- Submitting it for peer review via GitHub.
- Engaging with core developers and stakeholders.
- Achieving rough consensus before implementation.
Additionally, developers can contribute by maintaining or improving ETC client implementations—the software that powers nodes across the network. Multiple clients exist (such as Core-Geth, Mantis, and Hyperledger Besu forks), each hosted in public repositories. Contributions may include:
- Bug fixes
- Performance optimization
- Documentation
- Testing and security audits
Open-source participation ensures the network remains robust, diverse, and resistant to client-specific failures.
Why Choose Ethereum Classic for Development?
Ethereum Classic appeals to developers who prioritize code is law principles. Unlike networks that have undergone controversial rollbacks or centralized decision-making during crises, ETC has maintained an unwavering commitment to immutability.
This predictability creates a stable environment where:
- Smart contracts execute exactly as written.
- Transactions cannot be reversed.
- No governing body can override consensus rules.
For applications requiring long-term reliability—such as financial agreements, digital collectibles, or autonomous organizations—this consistency is invaluable.
Moreover, ETC’s lower transaction costs compared to high-congestion chains make it cost-effective for deploying and interacting with contracts at scale.
Core Keywords:
- Ethereum Classic development
- ETC smart contracts
- deploy dApp on ETC
- ECIP process
- cross-chain bridges ETC
- ETC Grants DAO
- Solidity on Ethereum Classic
- Chain ID 61
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the same Solidity code on Ethereum Classic as on Ethereum?
A: Yes. Since both chains use the EVM, Solidity code compiles and runs identically. Only deployment settings (like Chain ID) differ.
Q: How do I get ETC for gas fees during development?
A: You can acquire ETC through exchanges or testnet faucets for development purposes. For mainnet deployment, purchase ETC from supported platforms.
Q: Are there existing DeFi apps on Ethereum Classic?
A: Yes. Several DeFi protocols—including DEXs and lending platforms—are already live on ETC, offering opportunities for integration or competition.
Q: Is the ECIP process open to all developers?
A: Absolutely. Any developer can draft and submit an ECIP. Community discussion and technical review determine its progression.
Q: Do I need special tools to deploy to Chain ID 61?
A: No. Standard tools like Hardhat or Truffle support custom network configurations. Just add the ETC network with Chain ID 61 and an appropriate RPC URL.
Q: How does ETC handle network upgrades?
A: Upgrades follow a consensus-driven model via ECIPs. Changes require broad agreement among node operators and developers—ensuring true decentralization.