#TradingPairs101 Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of developers, Ethereum quickly rose to prominence as a powerful platform beyond just digital currency.

At its core, Ethereum operates with its native cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH), which is used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which is primarily designed for peer-to-peer transactions, Ethereum was built to be a flexible foundation for decentralized applications (dApps).

Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. These contracts automatically perform transactions when conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing potential fraud.

Ethereum introduced the concept of a "world computer"—a globally accessible and trustless system where users can build and run applications without censorship or downtime.

With the transition to Ethereum 2.0, the network moved from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS), significantly reducing energy consumption and increasing scalability.

Ethereum supports decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and a growing ecosystem of Web3 projects that aim to return control to users.

Despite facing competition from newer blockchains, Ethereum remains a leader due to its large developer community and robust infrastructure.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, Ethereum stands at the forefront of innovation, driving the shift towards a more decentralized internet.