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 a team led by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum goes beyond just digital currency—it functions as a programmable blockchain, laying the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, DAOs, and more.
Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to power transactions, pay for computational resources, and secure the network. ETH can be bought on specialized exchanges and, ETH can be traded for using other cryptocurrencies.