Ethereum (ETH)
Web3 / cryptocurrency types
Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform that extends cryptocurrency functionality through smart contracts—self-executing code that automatically enforces agreements when conditions are met. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum introduced programmability to blockchains, enabling developers to build decentralized applications across finance, gaming, supply chain, and governance. ETH serves as both the platform's native cryptocurrency for transaction fees and computational work, and as a valuable digital asset. Ethereum's ecosystem has become the largest foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Web3 development, making it the primary platform for blockchain innovation beyond simple value transfer. Example: Uniswap, the largest decentralized exchange protocol, operates exclusively on Ethereum, enabling billions of dollars in peer-to-peer token trading through smart contracts without centralized intermediaries. Why it matters for cryptocurrency: Ethereum revolutionized cryptocurrency by proving blockchains could do far more than transfer money, spawning an entire ecosystem of decentralized applications that drive crypto adoption and innovation beyond payments.
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