$ETH **Ethereum (ETH)** is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders, Ethereum has become one of the most widely used and influential blockchain networks after Bitcoin. While Bitcoin primarily functions as a digital currency, Ethereum is a versatile platform designed to support a wide range of decentralized financial applications, gaming, supply chain tracking, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and much more.

### Key Features of Ethereum:

1. **Smart Contracts**:

One of the core innovations of Ethereum is the concept of smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. These contracts automatically execute when predefined conditions are met, eliminating the need for intermediaries and enhancing trust in digital transactions.

2. **Ether (ETH)**:

Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. It's used to pay for transaction fees (gas fees), as well as to incentivize miners (in proof-of-work systems) or validators (in proof-of-stake systems) to secure and validate the network. ETH is also used for investment, and as a store of value, similar to Bitcoin, but its primary utility is within the Ethereum ecosystem.

3. **Decentralized Applications (dApps)**:

Ethereum allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on its blockchain. These applications are hosted on the Ethereum network, and their operations are governed by the smart contracts that run on the blockchain. Examples include decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, marketplaces for digital art (NFTs), games, and governance tools for decentralized organizations.

4. **Decentralization**:

Ethereum aims to create a decentralized ecosystem where no single entity has control over the network. This allows for peer-to-peer interactions without intermediaries, reducing the risk of fraud and censorship.

5. **Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)**:

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