Overview
Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum expanded the utility of blockchain beyond simple currency transfers. It features a built-in programming language that allows for the creation of complex, self-executing agreements.
Key Features
- Smart Contracts: Programs that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of downtime, censorship, or fraud.
- Ether (ETH): The native cryptocurrency used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the network.
- Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): The runtime environment for smart contracts in Ethereum.
Evolution
Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) in 2022, a milestone known as 'The Merge,' significantly reducing its energy consumption.