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Ethereum, often abbreviated as ETH, is a decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, following Bitcoin. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as a digital currency, Ethereum's primary purpose is to provide a platform for developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps).

Ethereum, often abbreviated as ETH, is a decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, following Bitcoin. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as a digital currency, Ethereum's primary purpose is to provide a platform for developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps).

At the heart of Ethereum is its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which serves multiple purposes within the network. It acts as a medium of exchange, enabling transactions between users, and also as "fuel" for executing smart contracts and other operations on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, allowing for automated and secure transactions without the need for intermediaries.

Ethereum's versatility has led to its widespread adoption across various industries, including finance, supply chain management, and gaming. The rise of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has been particularly transformative, leveraging Ethereum's infrastructure to create a range of financial services that operate without traditional banking systems. This includes lending platforms, stablecoins, and decentralized exchanges.

However, Ethereum faces challenges such as scalability and high transaction fees, especially during peak usage times. To address these issues, the Ethereum community is transitioning from a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to Proof of Stake (PoS) through Ethereum 2.0, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

In conclusion, Ethereum represents a significant advancement in blockchain technology, offering a robust platform for innovation and decentralization. As it continues to evolve, Ethereum is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the internet and global economy.

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