$ETH Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of **smart contracts** and **decentralized applications (dApps)**. It was proposed by **Vitalik Buterin** in 2013 and launched in 2015. Ethereum extends Bitcoin's blockchain technology by allowing developers to build programmable applications.

### **Key Features of Ethereum:**

1. **Smart Contracts**

- Self-executing contracts with predefined rules.

- Eliminates intermediaries (e.g., banks, lawyers).

2. **Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)**

- A runtime environment for executing smart contracts.

- Ensures security and isolation from the main network.

3. **Decentralized Applications (dApps)**

- Applications running on Ethereum (e.g., DeFi, NFTs, DAOs).

- Examples