Corpus.CoreEthereum light client
Ethereum Light Client
An ethereum light client follows the chain by downloading headers — not full blocks — and verifies specific state with Merkle proofs. After The Merge, light clients use the sync committee to validate headers efficiently. Colibri extends this model as a stateless light client for application developers.
How ethereum light clients work
Light clients store a compact header chain. When your app needs an account balance or storage slot, the client fetches a proof that the value is included in the state root committed by a validated header.
The sync committee — a rotating subset of validators — signs recent headers, enabling efficient confirmation that you are on the canonical chain.
Why light clients replaced legacy Geth light mode
Ethereum deprecated the old LES light protocol. Modern light clients like Helios and Colibri are built for post-Merge consensus. They are actively maintained and suitable for production integrations.
Colibri as a stateless light client
Colibri combines light-weight resource usage with a stateless architecture: no state database, fully verifying proofs, JSON-RPC compatible APIs. It is ideal when you need light client economics with application-layer developer experience.
- Header + proof verification
- No full node operations
- Mobile, web, server, and embedded targets
- Ethereum L1 and EVM L2 support
When to use a light client
- Wallets and account dashboards
- Read-heavy dApps
- Transaction simulation before signing
- Any app that cannot run a full node per user
Ethereum light client options (overview)
| Client | Type | Stateless | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geth light (legacy) | Light | No | Deprecated |
| Helios | Light | Partial | Sync committee based |
| Colibri | Stateless light | Yes | App-layer RPC + proofs |
FAQ
What is an ethereum light client?
Software that tracks block headers and verifies state with proofs instead of storing the full chain. It uses far less disk and bandwidth than a full node.
Are light clients secure after The Merge?
Yes, when they validate sync committee signatures and Merkle proofs locally. Security fails if verification is skipped.
Is Colibri an ethereum light client?
Colibri operates as a stateless light client — it uses header-chain verification and proofs without maintaining local state.
Light client vs full node for my dApp?
For most dApps, a verifying light or stateless client is the right choice. Full nodes are for operators, validators, and indexers.
Where can I learn more?
Read our series: Full nodes vs light clients and Stateless light clients enabling trustless interaction.
Try a modern light client
Use Colibri in the browser sandbox or integrate the SDK in your application.