Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform designed to enable smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) without any downtime, fraud, or interference from third parties. Its key features include the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which allows developers to create and deploy complex smart contracts, and its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which is used for transactions and computational services on the network. A unique aspect of Ethereum is its transition from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, aimed at improving scalability and reducing energy consumption.