The Ethereum Blockchain
SmartContracts
Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum is a pioneering blockchain platform that enables decentralised applications and smart contracts. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum supports a wide range of programmable features through its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and the Solidity programming language. This flexibility has made it a cornerstone for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and various blockchain-based innovations. Ethereum is transitioning to a proof-of-stake model with Ethereum 2.0 to improve scalability and reduce costs, enhancing its role as a leading blockchain platform.