Ethereum is a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts: applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of fraud or third party interference.
In the Ethereum blockchain, miners work to earn ether, which is the native cryptocurrency of the network. Ether can be traded for other cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and goods and services.
The Ethereum network is powered by the ethash algorithm, which is designed to be ASIC-resistant. This means that anyone with a computer can mine for ether.
Ethereum’s smart contracts are based on a Turing-complete programming language, which allows developers to create applications that can run on the Ethereum network.
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a sandboxed environment that runs smart contracts. The EVM is isolated from the rest of the network, so it can’t be tampered with or shut down.
Ethereum’s smart contracts are executed by miners, who are rewarded with ether for their work. This system is called “gas.”
Gas is used to pay for fees associated with transactions on the Ethereum network. These fees are used to pay for miners’ work in verifying and executing transactions.
The more complex a transaction is, the more gas it will require. This helps to ensure that miners are paid for their work in proportion to the amount of work they do.
Ethereum’s smart contracts can be used to create decentralized applications (dapps). Dapps are applications that run on the Ethereum network and are not controlled by any central authority.
Dapps can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from finance and gaming to social networking and identity management.
Ethereum’s native currency, ether, can be used to pay for dapp development and deployment costs. Ether can also be traded on exchanges for other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies.
Is Ethereum a Programmable Blockchain? Yes.