Gavin Wood is a British computer scientist and programmer who has played a pivotal role in shaping the blockchain industry. Most notably, he served as a co-founder and first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Ethereum, where he coded the first functional implementation of Ethereum and invented Solidity - the primary programming language used for developing smart contracts on the Ethereum platform.
During his time with Ethereum, Wood made several fundamental contributions that remain crucial to the ecosystem today. He authored the Ethereum Yellow Paper, which provided the first formal specification of any blockchain protocol. This technical document defined how the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) would function and established the foundation for all Ethereum implementations.
Wood coined the term "Web3" in 2014, describing his vision of a decentralized, user-centric internet powered by blockchain technology. This concept has since become a cornerstone of blockchain ideology and development.
After leaving his position at Ethereum in 2016, Wood founded Parity Technologies (originally named EthCore), a blockchain infrastructure company. Parity developed one of the most important Ethereum clients and went on to create innovative blockchain solutions.
His most significant post-Ethereum project is Polkadot, launched through the Web3 Foundation. Polkadot represents Wood's vision for solving blockchain scalability and interoperability challenges. It introduces a novel multi-chain architecture that allows multiple specialized blockchains to connect and operate simultaneously, sharing security and enabling cross-chain communication.
Wood's approach to blockchain development emphasizes technical rigor and formal verification. His background in computer science and research has influenced his focus on creating robust, scalable blockchain solutions. He advocates for precise specifications and documentation, as demonstrated by his authorship of the Ethereum Yellow Paper and subsequent technical writings.
Wood's influence extends beyond his technical contributions. His vision of a decentralized web and focus on blockchain interoperability has helped shape the direction of the entire cryptocurrency industry. Through his work on Ethereum, Polkadot, and various other projects, he has demonstrated a commitment to creating the infrastructure needed for a more decentralized digital future.
Today, Wood continues to be an influential figure in the blockchain space, focusing on developing Polkadot and advancing the Web3 ecosystem. His technical expertise, combined with his vision for blockchain's future, has earned him recognition as one of the most important innovators in the cryptocurrency industry.