Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that facilitates the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in late 2013 and development began in early 2014, with the network going live on July 30, 2015.
Key points about Ethereum:
Smart Contracts: Ethereum introduced the concept of smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. This enables a wide range of applications, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
Ether (ETH): Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum platform. It is used for transaction fees and computational services on the network.
Ethereum 2.0: Ethereum is undergoing a major upgrade known as Ethereum 2.0 or ETH 2.0. This upgrade aims to improve scalability, security, and sustainability through the transition from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Ethereum has become a hub for decentralized finance applications, allowing users to engage in various financial activities such as lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional intermediaries.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): Ethereum supports the creation of DAOs, organizations run by code rather than people. They operate on the principles encoded in smart contracts.
Community and Development: Ethereum has a vibrant and active development community. The Ethereum Foundation and various contributors continually work on protocol upgrades and improvements.
For the latest and most accurate information, it's recommended to check official Ethereum channels, developer forums, and reputable cryptocurrency news sources.