Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike Bitcoin, which serves primarily as a digital currency, Ethereum aims to function as a broader framework for decentralized computing and programmable transactions. Introduced in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of developers, Ethereum allows users to write custom code and deploy it on the blockchain, where it can execute automatically under specific conditions. These self-executing contracts open up a wide array of possibilities for decentralized finance, supply chain management, voting systems, and beyond. Ethereum has its own native cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH), used for transactions and as a "fuel" to execute smart contracts. The platform's versatility and active developer community have made it one of the most significant and innovative projects in the blockchain space.