Ethereum launched in summer 2015 with the aim of expanding the use cases of blockchain and cryptocurrency to encompass all manner of decentralized applications beyond Bitcoin’s initial scope, from permissionless financial services and crowdfunding to new organizational structures.
Ethereum was envisioned as a “global computer” that would allow developers to publish and execute apps powered by smart contracts — programmable scripts that facilitate the flow of digital assets.
Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), not only provides an incentive structure similar to Bitcoin (BTC) in securing and maintaining the network but is also used as “gas” to run transactions through smart contracts. This functions as a security measure to protect the network from inefficient code and attacks by malicious actors.
