General
Beginner
What is
Open Model?
Ergo operates on an open model where contributions from the community are encouraged and highly regarded.
Ergo operates on an open model where contributions from the community are encouraged and highly regarded. This model emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Open Model
Common questions about this topic
Is Ergo safe and secure?
Yes, Ergo is highly secure. It uses Proof-of-Work (the same security model as Bitcoin), has never been hacked, and the eUTXO model eliminates entire classes of smart contract vulnerabilities. The code is open-source and peer-reviewed. Your security also depends on proper seed phrase management.
Explainer
Getting Started
What's the difference between Ergo and Cardano?
Both use eUTXO, but differ in consensus and philosophy. Ergo: PoW (Autolykos), fair launch, no VC funding, storage rent. Cardano: PoS (Ouroboros), VC-funded, larger ecosystem. Ergo prioritizes decentralization and sustainability; Cardano prioritizes academic rigor and institutional adoption.
Comparison
Technology
Why does Proof-of-Work matter for decentralization?
Proof-of-Work provides the strongest censorship resistance because anyone can mine without permission. Unlike PoS where validators can be identified and pressured, PoW miners are anonymous and replaceable. The energy cost creates a real-world anchor that can't be captured by regulators or insiders.
Philosophy
Philosophy
How to build DeFi on Ergo?
Building DeFi on Ergo starts with understanding the eUTXO model and ErgoScript. Unlike account-based chains, Ergo's box model provides deterministic execution, no MEV by design, and predictable gas costs. Use Oracle Pools for price feeds, and leverage existing patterns from Spectrum Finance and SigmaUSD.
How-to
DeFi