Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and a foundational technology for the broader blockchain ecosystem.
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Ethereum can be described as a "world computer" - a global, decentralized platform for running programmable code. At its core, Ethereum is a state machine that transitions between states through the execution of transactions. These transactions are processed by the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), a Turing-complete software environment that runs on all nodes in the Ethereum network.
While Bitcoin primarily functions as a digital currency and payment system, Ethereum's scope is much broader. The key innovation of Ethereum is its ability to execute arbitrary code through smart contracts. This feature enables developers to create complex, decentralized applications that can handle a wide range of functions, from financial services to digital identity management.
Ethereum's programmability and flexibility have made it a cornerstone of the blockchain ecosystem. It has spawned numerous technological innovations, including:
Ethereum's impact extends beyond its own ecosystem, inspiring numerous other blockchain projects and contributing to the broader vision of a decentralized internet, often referred to as Web3.
The history of Ethereum is a tale of innovation, collaboration, and rapid evolution in the blockchain space. From its conceptual beginnings to its current status as a major player in the cryptocurrency world, Ethereum has undergone significant transformations.
Ethereum was first conceived by Vitalik Buterin, a young programmer and Bitcoin Magazine co-founder. In 2013, Buterin proposed the idea of a platform that would go beyond the financial use cases of Bitcoin. He envisioned a blockchain that could support any kind of decentralized application, essentially creating a "world computer" capable of executing arbitrary code.
In late 2013, Buterin published the Ethereum whitepaper, outlining the technical details and vision for the project. The whitepaper described a platform for decentralized applications and introduced the concept of smart contracts to a broader audience.
Following the whitepaper's release, Buterin assembled a team of co-founders, including Gavin Wood, Charles Hoskinson, and Joseph Lubin, among others. In 2014, the team launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the development of Ethereum. The campaign was a resounding success, raising approximately 31,000 BTC, worth about $18 million at the time.
After months of intense development and testing, the Ethereum mainnet officially launched on July 30, 2015, with the release dubbed "Frontier." This initial version provided a basic framework for mining Ether (ETH) and creating smart contracts, although it was primarily targeted at developers rather than end-users.
Since its launch, Ethereum has undergone several significant upgrades and reached important milestones:
Throughout its history, Ethereum has continuously evolved, adapting to challenges and pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology. Its journey from a whitepaper to a leading blockchain platform has been marked by innovation, community engagement, and a commitment to decentralization.