Ethereum is a programmable blockchain that enables developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Its native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH). As a Turing-complete platform, it can execute complex code and has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, behind Bitcoin.
A Brief History of Ethereum
Ethereum was first proposed in a 2013 white paper by Vitalik Buterin, who envisioned a platform that could do more than just facilitate digital currency transactions. After a successful initial coin offering (ICO) in 2014, the Ethereum blockchain officially launched in 2015.
A significant event in Ethereum's history was the "Merge," a major upgrade that took place in 2022. This transition shifted the network's consensus mechanism from a energy-intensive Proof of Work (PoW) model to a more efficient Proof of Stake (PoS) model. This change was aimed at improving the network's scalability, security, and sustainability.
How Ethereum Works
Ethereum introduced the concept of a smart contract platform. These are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. They run on the blockchain, so they are transparent, immutable, and don't require a third party to enforce the terms. Users pay a network fee, known as gas, in Ether to execute these smart contracts and other transactions.
Additionally, the Ethereum blockchain can host other cryptocurrencies, known as tokens, which are created using its ERC20 compatibility standard.
What is Ethereum Used For?
Ethereum's native currency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay transaction fees on the network. However, the platform's utility extends far beyond just a currency. Developers use Ethereum to create and run decentralized applications (dApps) and issue new crypto assets. The platform has fostered a vast ecosystem of use cases, including:
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Financial applications like lending, borrowing, and trading without intermediaries.
- Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Unique digital assets used for art, collectibles, and gaming.
- Play-to-Earn Gaming: Games that allow players to earn crypto or NFTs through gameplay.
- Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): Organizations run by code and governed by token holders.
Learn more about Ethereum's history, key characteristics and tokenomics.