Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015, it's best known for its native cryptocurrency, Ether ([[ETH]]), which is used to fuel transactions and power the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum provides a programmable platform for a wide range of applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and supply chain management. Its ability to execute self-executing contracts and facilitate trustless transactions has positioned Ethereum as a leading force in the blockchain revolution.