$ETH Here’s a comprehensive overview of Ethereum (ETH), covering its origins, technology, key features, and current developments:

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### **1. What is Ethereum?**

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy **smart contracts** and **decentralized applications (dApps)**. Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses primarily on peer-to-peer payments, Ethereum is designed as a "world computer" for programmable agreements and applications without intermediaries .

- **Native Cryptocurrency**: Ether (ETH) is the fuel for the Ethereum network, used to pay transaction fees ("gas") and for staking in its proof-of-stake system .

- **Founders**: Vitalik Buterin proposed Ethereum in 2013, with co-founders like Gavin Wood (author of the Ethereum Yellow Paper) and Joseph Lubin (founder of ConsenSys) .