Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) without the need for intermediaries. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum introduced a programmable blockchain using its own cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), as fuel for transactions and computations. It supports a wide range of applications including finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and more. Ethereum transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake in 2022 with the Merge, reducing energy consumption significantly. Its flexibility and active development community make it a foundational technology in the blockchain and Web3 ecosystem.
