What Is the EIGEN Token?
The EIGEN token is a universal intersubjective work token designed for EigenLayer, enabling security for various digital tasks that are not just objectively verifiable but also intersubjectively attributable. Unlike traditional work tokens that are tied to one specific digital task or objective faults (verifiable on-chain), EIGEN addresses a broader category of faults where multiple external observers agree on whether the task was performed correctly. This expands the range of tasks that can be securely managed on a blockchain.
EIGEN tokens are used for:
* Staking for intersubjective faults on the EigenLayer platform.
* Performing validation tasks across various Actively Validated Services (AVS).
* Incentivizing and penalizing operators based on their performance.
What Are Intersubjectively Attributable Faults?
Intersubjectively attributable faults are errors or failures in digital tasks that can’t necessarily be proven with cryptographic or on-chain evidence but can be agreed upon by external observers. Examples include:
* Data availability: Determining whether data is accessible across the network.
* AI inference accuracy: Evaluating AI model predictions within a certain margin of error.
* Oracle price inputs: Verifying the correctness of reported real-world data.
The EIGEN token aims to secure services dealing with these intersubjective faults and ensure penalties are applied when operators deviate from expected behavior.
How Does EIGEN Token Staking Work?
EIGEN token staking involves locking up tokens as collateral for operators to perform validation and coordination tasks.
The key ideas behind staking with EIGEN are:
How Many EIGEN Tokens Are in Circulation?
The EIGEN token supply details will depend on the platform's issuance policies. As of the time of its release, the tokenomics structure and total supply may be influenced by staking rewards, slashing events, and issuance for AVS security.
What Makes EIGEN Unique?
EIGEN is designed to resolve faults in decentralized tasks that are agreed upon by multiple external observers. Unlike traditional tokens that focus solely on objectively verifiable tasks, EIGEN addresses faults that may not be provable on-chain but are clearly identifiable off-chain. Its universality allows it to secure various tasks across many services on the EigenLayer platform.
Who Can Use the EIGEN Token?
The EIGEN token can be utilized by AVS developers, validators, and operators looking to secure services that require intersubjective agreement. It plays a complementary role to ETH restaking, where ETH can secure objectively verifiable tasks and EIGEN handles more subjective faults.
Setup and Execution Phases: Rules for validation are agreed upon during the setup phase, and the execution phase involves enforcing these rules. This ensures that faults are observable and can be addressed without requiring in-person meetings.
Slashing: When operators deviate from the agreed-upon rules, their staked tokens can be slashed as punishment.
Token Forking: If the majority of stakers become malicious, a new fork of the EIGEN token can be initiated, penalizing those who caused the fault by excluding them from redeeming tokens in the new fork.
Key features include:
Universality: EIGEN can be used across different tasks and systems beyond a single blockchain, offering cryptoeconomic security for a wide range of intersubjectively verifiable tasks.
Isolation: The EIGEN token operates in tandem with its backing token, bEIGEN, ensuring that forks in staking don't disrupt non-staking applications like DeFi.
Compensation: In cases where an AVS is attacked, the system can redistribute slashed tokens to affected users, ensuring strong cryptoeconomic security.
Where Can You Buy EIGEN?
The EIGEN token is expected to be available on major decentralized and centralized exchanges. Information on purchasing options will depend on platform listings at the time of its release.
EIGEN’s role in decentralized security and cryptoeconomic innovation positions it as a vital tool in securing the evolving landscape of digital services and tasks beyond traditional proof-of-stake systems.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology that securely records transactions across multiple computers in a verifiable and permanent way. It forms the underlying technology for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and enables transparency, security, and immutability.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security. It operates on decentralized networks, typically based on blockchain technology, and facilitates secure and transparent peer-to-peer transactions.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It operates on a decentralized peer-to-peer network and is used for secure, transparent, and censorship-resistant transactions.
What is the difference between Bitcoin and Altcoins?
Bitcoin is the original and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, while altcoins refer to any other cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin. Examples of altcoins include Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), and many others.
What is Staking?
Staking involves participants locking up a certain amount of cryptocurrency in a wallet to support the operations of a blockchain network. It is commonly associated with proof-of-stake (PoS) and delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) consensus mechanisms, where participants receive rewards for helping secure the network.
How Can I Stake Cryptocurrency?
To stake cryptocurrency, you typically need to choose a platform or network that supports staking. Transfer your tokens to a compatible wallet, follow the staking instructions provided by the platform, and lock up the desired amount of cryptocurrency. Once staked, you may start earning rewards.
What Are Staking Rewards and How Are They Calculated?
Staking rewards are incentives provided to participants who lock up their cryptocurrency to support the network. The amount of rewards varies and is influenced by factors such as the network's inflation rate, the total amount staked, and the specific rules of the staking protocol.
Can I Unstake My Cryptocurrency at Any Time?
The ability to unstake and withdraw your cryptocurrency depends on the specific staking protocol and network. Some platforms may have lock-up periods or unbonding periods during which your staked tokens are inaccessible. Always check the terms and conditions of the staking service.
What are the Risks of Staking?
Staking comes with risks, including the potential loss of staked funds if a participant behaves maliciously or fails to fulfill their responsibilities. Market volatility can also impact the value of staked tokens. It's crucial to thoroughly research the staking protocol and understand the associated risks.
Can I Lose Money by Staking?
While staking is designed to be a rewarding activity, there is a risk of losing money, especially if the value of the staked cryptocurrency decreases or if the staking protocol encounters security issues. It's important to consider both the potential rewards and risks before participating in staking.