The Ethereum platform supports ether in addition to a network of decentralized apps, otherwise known as dApps. Smart contracts, which originated on the Ethereum platform, are a central component of how the platform operates. Many decentralized finance (DeFi) and other applications use smart contracts in conjunction with blockchain technology. As a cryptocurrency, Ethereum is second in market value only to Bitcoin as of January 2022 #ETH #Ethereum #VitalikButerin #BTC #Bitcoin