Ethereum is the world's largest and most well-established, open-ended decentralised software platform. Here is a quick look at some of Ethereum's core features.

Smart contracts give you the ability to exchange property, money, shares and many other assets, all without the need to go through an intermediary. All the variables of the contract get recorded to Ethereum's publicly accessible blockchain. Because the contract executes autonomously, using a smart contract is similar to buying a can of soda from a vending machine. The entire process happens automatically, without the need for human intervention or oversight.

Several companies are already harnessing the power of Ethereum's smart contract feature. Vancouver-based startup Etherparty helps businesses create more efficient workflows with blockchain-based supply chain management solutions. A real-estate service called Propy uses smart contracts to help owners and brokers do business all over the world.

To run a centralised internet platform like Google, you need an enormous amount of computing power. DApps, however, run on large, distributed networks. These networks are much less expensive to use. And because DApps are collectively owned rather than owned and run by a single corporation, they are much more difficult to censor or control.

CryptoKitties, a game featuring cryptographically unique digital kittens, attracted media attention in 2017 when users started paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to snatch up the rarest kinds of collectable cats. Another notable DApp is Decentraland, which aims to become a fully decentralized, virtual reality version of Google.

Ether is generally used for two purposes. It is traded as a digital currency like other cryptocurrencies, as well as being used inside the Ethereum network for purposes including running applications and purchasing NFTs.

Gitcoin is a decentralized platform that lets coders earn ETH for contributing to open-source projects. Ethlance is similar, only it has a wider scope. Content writers, website designers, and other internet freelancers can connect with project leaders and work for Ether.