Learn ETHERSJS with Real Code Examples

Ethers.js allows developers to connect to Ethereum nodes via JSON-RPC, Infura, Alchemy, or local nodes.

It simplifies wallet creation, transaction signing, and secure key management.

Provides an easy-to-use interface for reading from and writing to smart contracts.

Supports both frontend (browser) and backend (Node.js) environments.

Used widely in dApp development, DeFi, NFT platforms, and Ethereum tooling.

Provider abstraction for node access

Wallet API for signing and sending transactions

Contract API for smart contract calls

Utility functions for Ethereum data types (BigNumber, Bytes, etc.)

Event filtering and listening for smart contracts

Provider connects to Ethereum network

Wallet holds private key and signs transactions

Contract object allows reading/writing smart contracts

BigNumber handles large integer values safely

Events allow listening for smart contract changes

src/ - application code

contracts/ - smart contract ABIs

scripts/ - deployment or utility scripts

tests/ - unit and integration tests

config/ - provider URLs, wallet secrets, environment variables

Initialize provider to connect to Ethereum

Create or load wallet

Create contract instance using ABI and address

Call contract read methods or send transactions

Listen for contract events and handle responses

Beginner: read blockchain state (balance)

Intermediate: send signed transactions

Advanced: interact with multiple smart contracts

Expert: build full dApp with event-driven logic

Auditor: verify smart contract calls and events

Ethers.js vs Web3.js: simpler, modular, TypeScript-friendly

Ethers.js vs Web3.py: JS-native vs Python-native

Ethers.js vs Alchemy SDK: lower-level vs higher-level abstractions

Ethers.js vs Moralis SDK: lightweight vs full-featured backend

Ethers.js vs Truffle: library vs full development suite

2015 – Ethers.js created by Richard Moore

2016 – Early releases with core wallet and provider support

2017 – ABI and Contract support added

2018–2020 – TypeScript support and improved documentation

2021–2025 – Continued maintenance, compatibility updates, and ecosystem growth

Provider: network connection to Ethereum node

Wallet: private key and signing interface

ABI: Application Binary Interface

BigNumber: library for large numbers

Event: smart contract log subscription