Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015. Ethereum has its own cryptocurrency called Ether (ETH), which is used as a means of value exchange on the platform.

One of the main features of Ethereum is the ability to create and deploy smart contracts. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code. These contracts automatically execute when certain predefined conditions are met, without the need for intermediaries.

Ethereum's blockchain also allows for the development and deployment of decentralized applications or DApps. These are applications that run on a network of computers instead of a single server, making them more resistant to censorship, downtime, and fraud.

Ethereum has gained significant popularity and has become one of the most widely used blockchain platforms. It has attracted developers and entrepreneurs from various industries who are exploring new ways to leverage its capabilities for solving real-world problems, such as in finance, supply chain management, and decentralized finance (DeFi).