Externally Owned Account (EOA)
An Externally Owned Account (EOA) is a type of account on the Ethereum blockchain controlled by a private key held by a user. EOAs can initiate transactions, interact with smart contracts, and hold cryptocurrencies.
Unlike smart contract accounts, EOAs are not governed by code but by the individual who possesses the private key. For web3 developers, understanding the distinction between EOAs and contract accounts is vital, as it influences how applications handle authentication, authorization, and transaction origination.