ETC / protocol guide

ETCHash proof of work and account state

Ethereum Classic combines proof of work with an account-based virtual machine for smart contracts.

Source-backed essentials

Ethereum Classic retained proof of work after Ethereum moved to proof of stake.
Transactions can transfer ETC or invoke smart-contract state changes.
Wallet compatibility does not by itself guarantee that every token or application is safe.

Source: Ethereum Classic knowledge base · reviewed 2026-09-13.