Tezos: Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Staking & Governance

When working with Tezos, a self‑amending, proof‑of‑stake blockchain that balances security and upgradability. Also known as XTZ, it enables developers to build decentralized applications while giving token holders a direct say in network upgrades. Smart contracts, programs that run automatically on the ledger are first‑class citizens on Tezos, and the platform’s staking, called baking, lets users lock up XTZ to secure the chain and earn rewards. The built‑in on‑chain governance, a formal voting process for protocol changes ties everything together, making Tezos a living, evolving ecosystem.

Why does this matter? First, the self‑amending design means the network can adopt new features—like formal verification or layer‑2 scaling—without risky hard forks. That directly influences the smart contracts you might write, because upgrades are smoother and less disruptive. Second, staking isn’t just a passive income stream; it creates a security loop where more bakers improve network resilience, which in turn protects the value of the staked XTZ. Finally, on‑chain governance gives token holders the power to vote on upgrades, fee structures, and even treasury allocations, turning every participant into a stakeholder.

Key Concepts Around Tezos

Understanding Tezos starts with three pillars: the blockchain itself, the smart‑contract language (Michelson), and the economic model that rewards bakers. The blockchain runs on a liquid proof‑of‑stake consensus, meaning you can delegate your XTZ to a baker without losing custody—a feature that lowers the entry barrier for staking. Michelson, while low‑level, enables formal verification, so developers can mathematically prove that a contract does what it’s supposed to, reducing bugs and hacks. The economic model distributes newly minted XTZ and transaction fees to bakers and delegators, aligning incentives across the network.

These pillars interact in ways that shape the broader DeFi landscape. For example, a DeFi protocol built on Tezos can leverage formal verification to assure users that funds are safe, while staking incentives attract liquidity providers who also earn baking rewards. Meanwhile, on‑chain governance can approve token‑curated registries or upgrades that improve interoperability with other blockchains, expanding Tezos’ reach.

Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each of these areas. Whether you’re a developer curious about Michelson, a investor looking at staking yields, or just someone who wants to grasp how on‑chain governance works in practice, the collection gives you practical insights and real‑world examples.

Ready to explore the specifics? The posts that follow break down modular blockchains, funding rates in perpetual futures, slashing protection for validators, and more—each touching on concepts that matter to Tezos users, from token economics to security best practices. Use this overview as a roadmap, then jump into the articles that match your interest.

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