Ethereum is an open-source, public, blockchain-based distributed computing platform and operating system featuring smart contract functionality. Ethereum provides a decentralized virtual machine (EVM) which can execute scripts using an international network of public nodes. Ethereum was proposed in late 2013 by Vitalik Buterin, a cryptocurrency researcher and programmer. Developed and launched to the public in 2015, Ethereum is one of the most widely used and actively developed blockchains in the industry today. It features an advanced level of scalability and security, making it an ideal choice for decentralized applications and smart contracts.