Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that launched in 2015. It enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Founded by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum's native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH), which ranks as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. The platform's key feature is its support for smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements with terms written in code. This allows developers to create a wide range of dApps, including decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, games, and token creation for both fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Ethereum operates as a global, decentralized computer, enhancing security and transparency while eliminating the need for intermediaries. In September 2022, Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, significantly reducing its energy consumption. Ethereum is utilized by individual developers, startups, and major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Amazon, making it a foundational platform for a diverse ecosystem of blockchain applications and financial services.