Ethereum: The Smart Contract Pioneer

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital gold, Ethereum enables smart contracts—self-executing agreements that run on the blockchain. This innovation has made Ethereum the foundation for decentralized applications (DApps), DeFi (Decentralized Finance), and NFTs. With ongoing upgrades, including Ethereum 2.0, the network aims to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency, solidifying its role as a leader in the crypto industry.