Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform known for supporting smart contracts, with its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), holding the second-highest market capitalization after Bitcoin. The platform is open-source and supports various applications.
Ethereum was initially proposed in 2013 by programmer Vitalik Buterin, with co-founders including Gavin Wood, Charles Hoskinson, Anthony Di Iorio, and Joseph Lubin. Development began in 2014, funded through crowdfunding, and the network officially launched on July 30, 2015. The platform allows anyone to deploy decentralized applications (dApps) that are permanent and immutable, enabling direct user interaction.
