Ethereum: The Internet’s Operating System
If Bitcoin is digital gold, Ethereum is the infrastructure layer powering the decentralized internet. Launched in 2015, it introduced smart contracts—basically code that executes itself on the blockchain—and it’s where 75% of all decentralized finance lives. When Ethereum switched to proof-of-stake in 2022 (“The Merge”), it cut energy use dramatically while introducing a fee-burning mechanism that actually makes ETH deflationary.
Why It Matters (And Where It Struggles)
Ethereum dominates DeFi, NFTs, and real-world asset tokenization, with massive institutional adoption via ETFs. The catch: gas fees spike during busy times, Solana is nipping at its heels for transaction volume, and ETH has lagged Bitcoin’s recovery lately. A big upgrade called Glamsterdam is coming mid-2026 that could push speeds to 10,000 transactions per second.
[IMAGE: Ethereum network visualization or blockchain graphic]
