Ethereum for beginners: basics and use cases

04.05.2025

Ethereum is the second most popular cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, created in 2015 by programmer Vitalik Buterin. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is not just digital money — it’s a full-fledged platform for building decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. What Makes Ethereum Unique?Ethereum is a global decentralized computer that runs applications without intermediaries, censorship, or downtime. Key features include: Support for smart contracts — self-executing programs;The ability to create tokens and NFTs;A blockchain that supports decentralized finance (DeFi), games, DAOs, and more;A gradual shift to an eco-friendly Proof of Stake model.The native currency of the network is Ether (ETH) — used to pay transaction fees and interact with applications. How to Use Ethereum?Create an Ethereum WalletUse wallets that support ERC-20 tokens: MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Ledger, Coinbase Wallet, etc. Buy ETHYou can purchase Ethereum on crypto exchanges (Binance, Bybit, OKX), through P2P services, or exchange platforms. Use ETH: For investment or trading;To participate in DeFi projects (e.g., swaps, lending, staking);To buy NFTs (on platforms like OpenSea);To interact with decentralized applications. Ensure SecurityStore private keys in a safe place, back up your seed phrase, and never share wallet access with anyone. Ethereum is more than just a cryptocurrency — it's an innovative ecosystem transforming how we view finance, programming, and digital ownership.