Ethereum is a decentralised blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization after Bitcoin. Ethereum's unique feature is its ability to support programmable transactions, allowing developers to build and deploy their own applications on the Ethereum network. The native cryptocurrency of Ethereum is called Ether (ETH), which is used as both a digital currency and a fuel for executing smart contracts. Ethereum has gained significant popularity for its potential to revolutionise various industries through its smart contract capabilities and its role in facilitating decentralised finance (DeFi) applications.