Ethereum is an open-source, decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Founded in 2014 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has become one of the largest and most widely-used blockchain platforms in the world.
Key features of Ethereum include:
1. *Smart Contracts*: Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written directly into lines of code.
2. *Decentralized Applications (dApps)*: Applications that run on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing for decentralized and transparent interactions.
3. *Ether (ETH)*: The native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, used for transaction fees and other purposes.
Ethereum's potential use cases include:
1. *DeFi (Decentralized Finance)*: Lending, borrowing, and trading platforms that operate without traditional financial intermediaries.
2. *NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)*: Unique digital assets representing art, collectibles, and more.
3. *Gaming*: Decentralized gaming platforms that enable new types of gameplay and ownership.
