What is Ethereum (ETH)?
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Overview
Ethereum is a smart contract platform created by Vitalik Buterin in 2015. Going beyond simple currency transactions, it is a programmable blockchain that serves as the foundation for decentralized applications (dApps) including DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs.
How It Works
Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake through The Merge in 2022. Validators stake 32 ETH to secure the network and validate transactions. EIP-1559 burns a portion of gas fees, creating deflationary pressure.
Key Features
Smart contract support
Proof of Stake consensus
EIP-1559 fee burning
Layer 2 scalability
Largest dApp ecosystem
Specifications
Founded2015
ConsensusProof of Stake
Max SupplyUnlimited (deflationary)
Websiteethereum.org
Use Cases
Smart contractsDeFi protocolsNFT marketplacesDAO governanceLayer 2 solutions