Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dapps). It was founded in 2014 by Vitalik Buterin and has since become one of the largest cryptocurrencies in terms of market capitalization. Ethereum’s cryptocurrency is called Ether (ETH) and is used as a form of payment within the platform. The Ethereum network also supports the creation of new cryptocurrencies and digital assets through its ERC-20 token standard. Unlike Bitcoin, which was created as a digital alternative to traditional fiat currencies, Ethereum was designed to be a decentralized platform for building decentralized applications.
