Core
Smart contracts
Code that executes automatically on-chain.
Crypto · Core
Ethereum: The programmable settlement layer.
Ethereum runs smart contracts: programs that hold value and enforce rules without a middleman. It hosts most stablecoins and tokenized assets.
Quick answer
What is Ethereum?
Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain with a built-in programming environment. Developers deploy smart contracts that power DeFi, NFTs, stablecoins and tokenization.
Key ideas
Security
Proof of stake
Validators stake ETH to secure the network.
Scale
Layer 2s
Roll-ups scale activity while settling on Ethereum.
Adoption
Tokenization
The leading venue for institutional tokenized assets.
Ethereum & its layer 2 family
Editorial tiers for speed, fees and developer activity. TVL updates live from DeFiLlama when available.
| Chain | Consensus | TPS | Fees | Dev activity | TVL (live) | Stablecoins | Use cases | AI ecosystem | Tokenization | Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethereum | Proof of Stake | Low | Variable | Very strong | — | Deepest stablecoin base | DeFi, NFTs, tokenization, L2 settlement | Agent standards, restaking, AI-linked protocols | Leading institutional tokenization venue | Largest developer community |
| Base | Optimistic rollup (OP Stack, settles on Ethereum) | High | Low | Very strong | — | Strong USDC presence | Consumer apps, social, onchain creator tools | Active AI agent ecosystem | Growing | Large consumer community |
| Arbitrum | Optimistic rollup (settles on Ethereum) | High | Low | Strong | — | Deep native USDC / USDT | DeFi, derivatives, gaming | Moderate | Active | Mature DeFi community |
| Optimism | Optimistic rollup (OP Stack) | High | Low | Strong | — | Strong | Superchain of L2s, public goods funding | Moderate | Moderate | Governance-driven community |
Scroll sideways on small screens. Throughput, fee and developer tiers are editorial summaries, not benchmarks.
Questions, answered
What is a layer 2?
A network built on top of Ethereum that processes transactions cheaply and posts proofs or data back to Ethereum for security.
The future isn’t something you wait for.
You build it.
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