What Is Prysm?
Also known as: Prysm Client, Prysmatic Labs
In short
Prysm is an open-source Ethereum consensus layer (Proof of Stake) client written in the Go programming language, including the beacon node and validator software that validators need to propose and attest to blocks.
After The Merge, an Ethereum node is made up of two pieces of software working together: an execution client (such as Geth or Nethermind) that executes transactions, and a consensus client that manages Proof of Stake consensus. Prysm belongs to the second group and was originally developed by Prysmatic Labs. The beacon node component follows the blocks and votes on the network; the validator component performs duties on behalf of the user's staked ETH.
Thanks to its user-friendly tools and comprehensive documentation, Prysm was used very widely among validators in the early years of the Beacon Chain. Other consensus clients include Lighthouse, Teku, Nimbus, and Lodestar.
A single client having a very high share creates a risk for the network. If a critical bug appears in the majority client, the network can finalize the wrong chain, and validators using that client can face severe penalties. The high share Prysm reached at one point led to client diversity campaigns in the Ethereum community, and stakers were encouraged to use minority clients.
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