Ethereum hub
Ethereum explained: smart contracts, gas and staking
How Ethereum works after the move to proof of stake, what gas fees pay for, how layer-2 networks scale it, and how to use ETH safely.
In this hub
- How Ethereum works
- Gas fees
- Proof of stake
- Layer-2 networks
- Staking ETH
- Tokens on Ethereum
Overview
Ethereum in a nutshell
Ethereum is a programmable blockchain. Instead of only recording payments, it runs smart contracts — code that executes exactly as written — which is what makes DeFi, NFTs and most stablecoins possible. ETH, the native asset, pays for computation (gas) and secures the network through staking.
Since September 2022, Ethereum has used proof of stake rather than mining, cutting its energy use dramatically. Today much everyday activity happens on layer-2 networks that settle back to Ethereum for security. This hub explains the base layer, layer-2s, gas, wallets and staking in plain English.
What you'll learn
Key topics in Ethereum
How Ethereum works
Accounts, transactions and the Ethereum Virtual Machine in plain English.
Gas fees
What you pay for, why fees spike, and how to avoid overpaying.
Proof of stake
Validators, the Merge, and what changed when mining ended.
Layer-2 networks
Rollups that make Ethereum cheaper — and how to bridge to them safely.
Staking ETH
Solo, pooled and liquid staking options compared.
Tokens on Ethereum
ERC-20 tokens, stablecoins and how to avoid fake contracts.
Latest guides
New in Ethereum
FAQ
Ethereum questions, answered
What is the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is designed mainly as a scarce digital money. Ethereum is a programmable platform: it runs smart contracts that power applications such as decentralised exchanges, lending protocols and stablecoins.
What are Ethereum gas fees?
Gas is the fee paid to process a transaction or smart-contract action on Ethereum. Fees rise when the network is busy. Using a layer-2 network usually makes transactions much cheaper.
Does Ethereum still use mining?
No. Ethereum switched from proof of work to proof of stake in September 2022 in an upgrade known as the Merge. Validators who stake ETH now secure the network.
What is an ERC-20 token?
ERC-20 is the standard most fungible tokens on Ethereum follow, so wallets and apps can handle many tokens the same way. Always check a token’s contract address, because scammers create look-alike tokens.
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