Ethereum introduced the concept of smart contracts, enabling developers to create self-executing agreements with unparalleled transparency and security. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital currency, 以太幣價格 versatile platform empowers developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) on its blockchain, opening doors to a multitude of industries beyond just finance.

One of the key factors that sets Ethereum apart is its use of Ether (ETH), the cryptocurrency fueling the platform. Ether not only facilitates transactions within the network but also incentivizes miners to secure the blockchain. This unique combination of financial and technological innovation has spurred the growth of a vibrant ecosystem of DApps and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. These applications range from decentralized exchanges and lending platforms to digital art marketplaces and even virtual real estate ownership.

Ethereum’s journey, however, has not been without its challenges. As its popularity surged, concerns about scalability and energy consumption came to the forefront. Ethereum’s transition from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism through the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade aims to address these issues, making transactions faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly.

The NFT (Non-Fungible Token) boom further propelled Ethereum into the mainstream. NFTs, which are unique digital assets representing ownership of digital or physical items, have revolutionized the art and entertainment industries, enabling creators to monetize their work directly and providing collectors with provable ownership. The majority of NFTs are minted on the Ethereum blockchain, showcasing its dominance in this space.