> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.stakeease.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.stakeease.com/background/eigenlayer/what-is-eigenlayer.md). # What is EigenLayer? The Ethereum blockchain, a cornerstone of the decentralized finance (DeFi) revolution, faces critical challenges: scalability limitations and mounting transaction fees. These hurdles impede user adoption and stifle innovation within the ecosystem. At the same time, up-and-coming layer 1s and layer 2s struggle to find adoption due to the concerns surrounding their security. EigenLayer emerges as a transformative solution for both of these problems. It is a scaling paradigm built upon the robust foundation of Ethereum that lets other applications borrow the security of Ethereum validators. ## Why should you, as a user, care about EigenLayer? Think of EigenLayer as a security blanket for other Web3 protocols. It lets them borrow the security of your staked ETH, making them more trustworthy and efficient. You, the ETH staker, get the following benefits: * **Earn extra rewards:** Keep your ETH working while getting paid for securing other apps. * **Faster Ethereum:** More apps that can use Ethereum’s security independently = less congestion, meaning faster transactions & lower fees for everyone. ️ You can read more about EigenLayer [here](https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/overview/). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.stakeease.com/background/eigenlayer/what-is-eigenlayer.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.