Ethereum (ETH): Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Platform
Ethereum (ETH) is a cryptocurrency and an open-source platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) on a blockchain network. Proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013, Ethereum was launched in 2015 and has evolved to be more than just a cryptocurrency.
Key Features of Ethereum:
Blockchain Platform: Ethereum allows developers to build decentralized applications using its blockchain. These applications can operate without intermediaries and are supported by the security of the Ethereum network.
Smart Contracts: The platform supports the creation and execution of smart contracts, which are agreements coded into the blockchain that automatically execute when certain conditions are met. These contracts facilitate transactions and agreements without the need for trust between parties.
Ether (ETH): Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. It is used to pay for transaction fees and computational resources required to execute smart contracts and DApps on the platform. In addition to being a digital currency, ETH is also considered a digital asset and an investment.
Use of ETH: Users pay gas fees in ETH to conduct transactions and execute contracts on the Ethereum network. This includes creating DApps, transferring tokens, and interacting with smart contracts.
In summary, Ethereum is a comprehensive platform that combines a cryptocurrency with a robust infrastructure for building decentralized applications and executing smart contracts. ETH is the engine that drives these operations within the network, facilitating an innovative and ever-evolving blockchain ecosystem.