Ethereum Fundamentals: Execution, Consensus, Smart Contracts, and Risk
Ethereum is a proof-of-stake network with separate execution and consensus components. Learn the protocol roles and the risks that remain when interacting with smart contracts.
CL
CryptoLV AcademyEditorial team
·2 min read
Review and sources
Reviewed 2026-08-13 by CryptoLV Editorial. Next review: 2026-11-13.
- ethereum.org: Proof of Stake opens in a new tab
Supports: Ethereum uses proof of stake with validators, execution clients, consensus clients, slots, attestations, and finality rules.
- ethereum.org: Smart Contracts opens in a new tab
Supports: Smart contracts are programs at Ethereum addresses; interactions execute code and are generally irreversible.
- ethereum.org: Node Architecture opens in a new tab
Supports: Ethereum node architecture separates execution and consensus clients.
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