Ethereum is a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts: applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, fraud or third-party interference. These apps run on a custom built blockchain, an enormously powerful shared global infrastructure that can move value around and represent the ownership of property.
This enables developers to create markets, store registries of debts or promises, move funds in accordance with instructions given long in the past (like a will or a futures contract) and many other things that have not been invented yet, all without a middleman or counterparty risk.
The project was bootstrapped via an ether presale in August 2014 by fans all around the world. It is developed by the Ethereum Foundation, a Swiss non-profit, with contributions from great minds across the globe.
As a developer, you can use Ethereum to build a wide range of applications, from simple programs that allow users to send and receive ether (the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network) to complex dApps (decentralized applications) that can be used to build decentralized financial systems, supply chain management systems, voting systems, and much more.
To work with Ethereum, you will need to be familiar with the Solidity programming language, which is the most commonly used language for writing smart contracts on the Ethereum platform. You will also need to have a good understanding of blockchain technology and the underlying principles of cryptography.
Overall, Ethereum is a powerful and versatile platform that offers many opportunities for developers. Whether you are interested in building financial applications, creating new tools for the Ethereum network, or developing dapps, there are many ways that you can use Ethereum to innovate and create value.
Founder: Vitalik Buterin
Launched On: 2015-07-20
Layer 1
Solidity
Proof of stake
$4,053.057
$488,158,592,489.8
120,442,066.033 ETH