Ethereum 2.0 is Dead: Why You Shouldn\'t Use \'ETH2\' Anymore
Remember Ethereum 2.0, often shortened to \'ETH2\'? You might still see it floating around, but the term is outdated and even misleading. Let\'s dive into why the Ethereum Foundation and core developers have moved away from "ETH2" and what you should use instead.
The Rise and Fall of \'ETH2\'
Ethereum always had, as part of its roadmap, plans to scale the network in a decentralized way and to transition to proof-of-stake. Early on, researchers worked on these efforts separately, but around 2025 they were combined into a single roadmap under the “Ethereum 2.0” umbrella. As part of that roadmap, the Ver más. The term "Ethereum 2.0" was a convenient shorthand for significant upgrades, mainly the switch to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and increased scalability.
Why \'ETH2\' Became Problematic
Despite its initial usefulness, the "ETH2" label caused confusion. One major issue was the misconception that users needed to do something to "upgrade" their ETH to "ETH2." This wasn\'t the case. Your ETH remains ETH. Furthermore, No ‘ETH2’ token exists in the first place; it simply represents their share in that specific providers’ stake.
As part of that roadmap, the existing proof-of-work chain (Eth1) would eventually be deprecated via the difficulty bomb. Users & applications would migrate to a new. The problem was explaining that this "migration" was seamless for most users, creating unnecessary worry.
The New, Clearer Terminology: Execution Layer and Consensus Layer
In late 2025, core developers stopped using the terminology preferring the “execution layer” and the “consensus layer” respectively. Today, like highlighted in our first, the preferred terms are the "execution layer" (formerly Eth1) and the "consensus layer" (formerly the Beacon Chain, responsible for PoS). The Ethereum Foundation has removed all references to “Eth1” and “Eth2” in favor of calling the original blockchain the “execution layer” and the upgraded proof-of-stake. This terminology is much clearer and avoids the "upgrade" confusion.
Understanding the Execution Layer
The execution layer is where smart contracts execute and transactions are processed. Think of it as the engine of Ethereum, running the applications and handling the day-to-day operations.
Understanding the Consensus Layer
The consensus layer is powered by Proof-of-Stake (PoS) and ensures the security and validity of the Ethereum blockchain. It’s the governance and security mechanism that replaced the energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) system.
Why This Matters to You
So now, with this updated terminology, the foundation hopes to, and you should, use the correct terms to avoid confusing newcomers and contributing to outdated information. Using "execution layer" and "consensus layer" ensures clarity and reflects the current state of Ethereum. Stop saying ETH2!
In Conclusion
While "Ethereum 2.0" served its purpose in the past, it\'s time to embrace the new, more accurate terminology. By understanding the difference between the execution and consensus layers, you\'ll be better equipped to discuss and understand the evolution of Ethereum.