An Externally Owned Account (EOA) is a type of account used to hold and manage digital assets like cryptocurrencies. It is controlled by a private key, which is a unique string of characters that grants access to the account and its funds.In an EOA, the owner has full control over their assets, allowing them to send, receive, and manage their funds as needed. The private key must be kept secure, as anyone with access to it can manipulate the account.Unlike smart contracts, which are pre-programmed scripts that execute specific actions when certain conditions are met, EOAs do not contain any code. They simply serve as a balance holder and are the primary way individuals interact with the blockchain.Transactions from EOAs are initiated by the account holder, making them essential for everyday use of cryptocurrencies. Keeping the private key safe is crucial, as loss or theft can result in irreversible loss of funds.