Ethereum is an open-source, blockchain-based platform designed to enable the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015, Ethereum extends the functionality of blockchain beyond simple transactions, allowing developers to build and deploy complex, programmable contracts that automatically execute when predefined conditions are met. The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) serves as the runtime environment for these smart contracts, ensuring their consistent execution across the decentralized network. Ethereum's robust and flexible infrastructure has made it the foundation for numerous innovations, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and various other blockchain-based services. By fostering a broad ecosystem of developers, projects, and users, Ethereum aims to decentralize the internet and create a more transparent, secure, and efficient digital economy.
