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What Ethereum is

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Ethereum supports transfers and smart-contract execution. ETH is its native asset, used to pay for computation.

EthereumETHsmart contract

More than transfers

Smart contracts execute programmed rules, such as token swaps. Working code does not guarantee a safe or worthwhile product.

Validation

Ethereum uses proof of stake: validators participate in consensus with ETH at stake. This is not Bitcoin mining.

Separate the risks

Assess the network, application, token and key custody separately. Check contract addresses and wallet permissions; a familiar network name does not validate every application.

Short answers

Is every Ethereum token ETH?

No. Assets on the network can have different issuers and terms.

Primary sources

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