#TariffsPause Ethereum and Its Key Features (150 words)

Ethereum 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, Ethereum is known for going beyond simple transactions, unlike Bitcoin. Its most powerful feature is the smart contract—self-executing code that runs exactly as programmed, without downtime or third-party interference. Ethereum also introduced Ether (ETH), the native cryptocurrency used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network.

Another notable feature is the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which allows developers to write programs in various programming languages. Ethereum’s transition to Proof of Stake (PoS) from Proof of Work (PoW) through the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade reduced energy consumption and improved scalability. Additionally, Ethereum supports decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and token creation through the ERC-20 standard. These features make Ethereum a foundational technology in the blockchain ecosystem.