Ethereum is an open-source, blockchain-based computing platform that allows developers to build and use decentralized applications. It is decentralized, meaning it is not run by a centralized authority. According to CoinDesk, Ethereum aims to change how apps on the internet work today, awarding users more control by replacing intermediaries with smart contracts that implement rules automatically. Ethereum’s features include Ether, smart contracts, Ethereum Virtual Machine, Decentralized applications (Dapps), and Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Ether is the digital token of the Ethereum blockchain. At the time of writing, Ethereum is trading at $1,789 with a market cap of over $208 billion. It is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. Ethereum is currently proof-of-work, but according to its founder Vitalik Buterin, it will become proof-of-stake (PoS) this year, which could cause its price to surge.