Coinbase Unveils Basenames: Your Human-Readable Web3 Identity on Base

Tired of those long, complicated crypto addresses? Let’s face it, sending crypto can feel like navigating a digital maze, one wrong digit and your funds could vanish into the blockchain ether! But what if there was a simpler way, a way to make those alphanumeric strings human-friendly? Coinbase has just dropped a game-changer: Basenames, a brand new onchain identity tool built on their Base blockchain. Think of it as your Web3 passport, making your digital life a whole lot easier and more connected.

What Exactly are Basenames? Your Onchain Identity Card

Imagine having a username for your crypto wallet, something easy to remember and share, instead of a jumble of letters and numbers. That’s essentially what Basenames is all about. Announced at Coinbase’s BaseCamp Summit by Base Head of Product Thomas Vieira, Basenames is designed to bring human-readable names to blockchain addresses. It’s built leveraging the power of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS), which you might already know from .eth addresses like vitalik.eth. Basenames takes this concept further, giving you addresses with a Base-specific twist: .eth.base.

Key Takeaways about Basenames:

• Human-Readable Addresses: Say goodbye to complex alphanumeric strings. Basenames makes your blockchain address easy to read, remember, and share.
• Built on Base: This tool is part of the Base ecosystem, Coinbase’s Layer-2 blockchain, aiming to make Web3 more accessible.
• Leverages ENS: Basenames builds upon the established Ethereum Name Service, ensuring compatibility and leveraging existing infrastructure.
• Developer-Focused (Initially): While coming to the public soon, Basenames is initially targeted at developers to foster collaboration and build professional onchain profiles.
• Onchain Resumé: Think of Basenames as a decentralized, blockchain-based resumé, showcasing your skills and credentials in the Web3 space.

Why Basenames? Solving the Web3 Identity Puzzle

In the current Web3 landscape, identity can feel fragmented and impersonal. How do you prove your skills or find collaborators in a decentralized world? Basenames aims to solve this by creating a unified, verifiable onchain identity.

Thomas Vieira perfectly summarized the vision:

“Our vision for Basenames is that it is the connective tissue that will enable builders to connect with other builders, builders to more closely connect with the people. I may have 10^18 problems, but onchain identity won’t be one.”

This highlights the core purpose: fostering connections and simplifying interactions within the Web3 community. Finding the right people to collaborate with in the decentralized space can be challenging. Basenames aims to streamline this process, making it easier to discover talent and build teams.

Basenames in Action: What Can You Do?

So, how will Basenames actually work for you? Here’s a breakdown of the features and functionalities:

• Register Your Name: Using wallets like MetaMask, Rainbow, or Coinbase Wallet, you’ll be able to register your desired .eth.base name.
• Searchable Profiles: A dedicated webpage will allow you to search for other Basename addresses, making it easy to find and connect with individuals and projects.
• Customizable Profiles: Beyond just a name, you can create a comprehensive profile by adding:
  • Bio: Introduce yourself and your Web3 journey.
  • Social Media Handles: Link your profiles on platforms like Twitter, GitHub, etc.
  • Skills and Expertise: Showcase your talents, from Solidity development to marketing prowess or legal expertise.
• Onchain Credentials: Back up your skills with verifiable “bona fides onchain.” This could include credentials, project contributions, and other blockchain-verifiable data, building a robust and trustworthy profile.
• Simplified Payments: Just like ENS and Unstoppable Domains, Basenames will make sending and receiving crypto payments easier and less error-prone. No more “fat finger” mistakes when copying long addresses!

Think of it as your Web3 professional profile, all verifiable on the blockchain!

Basenames vs. Traditional Web2 Resumes: A Decentralized Advantage

How does Basenames stack up against traditional resumes? Here’s a quick comparison:

Basenames offers a compelling alternative for Web3 professionals, providing a more transparent, verifiable, and portable way to showcase their skills and connect with the community.

When Can You Get Your Basename?

Excited to claim your .eth.base identity? The initial rollout is happening right now for attendees of Coinbase’s BaseCamp Summit. For the rest of us, Basenames will be available to the general public in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye on the Base and Coinbase announcements for the official launch date!

The Future of Web3 Identity is Here

Coinbase’s Basenames is more than just a naming service; it’s a step towards a more connected and user-friendly Web3. By making onchain identities human-readable and verifiable, Basenames has the potential to significantly improve collaboration, talent discovery, and overall user experience in the decentralized world. Get ready to simplify your Web3 interactions and build your onchain professional identity with Basenames!