# Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain network with [Turing-complete](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_completeness) smart contract functionality. Ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency. As of mid-September 2022, Ethereum uses the Proof of Stake consensus mechanism.

Use Ethereum to build apps and organizations, hold assets, transact, and communicate without being controlled by a central authority. Ethereum uses the [Proof of Stake (PoS)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proof_of_stake) consensus mechanism.

{% hint style="info" %}
The Ethereum network has been upgraded from the original Proof of Work consensus mechanism to Proof of Stake during [The Merge](broken://pages/oPEkF4PXc4nh0cdHm416).
{% endhint %}

chainRPC provides access to the [Ethereum JSON-RPC API](broken://pages/jjagORiusiMspLbb2VSF) method library that interacts with the Ethereum blockchain. Methods include functionality for reading and writing data to the network, and executing smart contracts. 

{% hint style="info" %}
See the [official Ethereum documentation](https://ethereum.org/en/) for more information.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.chainrpc.io/chainrpc/networks/ethereum.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.