Ethereum (ETH) is a leading decentralized, open-source blockchain system, distinct from Bitcoin with its focus on supporting decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts rather than serving as a digital currency alone. It currently operates on a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm, with plans to shift to a more energy-efficient proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism. Ethereum's hallmark is enabling smart contracts - self-executing contracts with terms directly written into code, facilitating automated, intermediary-free transactions. This versatility makes Ethereum a robust platform for developers and an attractive option for secure, efficient transactions, underpinning its growing adoption in the global digital economy.