What is Ethereum (ETH)?. Ethereum is a programmable blockchain for smart contracts and decentralized applications. Its native asset, Ether (ETH), pays for computation and storage on the network.
How it works
Developers deploy contracts in bytecode. Validators running proof‑of‑stake propose and attest to blocks. Users call contract functions by sending transactions with gas limits and fees.
Why it matters
Ethereum unlocked use cases beyond payments, including decentralized exchanges, lending, NFTs, and tokenized assets that interoperate across apps.
Common pitfalls
- Setting too‑low gas limits so transactions run out of gas
- Signing approvals without understanding token allowances
- Falling for fake contract addresses
Quick example
You swap one token for another on a decentralized exchange by approving the contract, then submitting a trade that executes automatically.
See also
- Smart Contract
- Gas Fee
- EVM
- Layer 2
TL;DR: What is Ethereum (ETH)? defined in plain English with practical next steps.
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