Ethereum
Ethereum is a blockchain platform designed not just for money, but also for runnings programs called smart contracts.
Quick Reference:
Launched 2015. Vitalik Buterin. Smart Contracts. Programable Blockchain.
Expanded Explanation
Ethereum expanded on Bitcoins ideas by allowing developers to build decentralised apps (dApps) that can run without central servers. Its native currency is ETH which is used to pay for transactions and as “fuel” for executing smart contracts. This flexibility has made Ethereum the backbone for many crypto projects, including NFTs, Defi and stable coins alike. For beginners, Ethereum is the go to example of how Crypto can be more than just a digital coin.