<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Ethereum is a blockchain platform allowing developers to create decentralized applications and smart contracts, distinct from Bitcoin.Vitalik Buterin proposed Ethereum in 2013, with a successful launch in 2015, aiming for a programmable blockchain.Ethereum's technology includes the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) for executing smart contracts and gas for transactions.Key differences between Ethereum and Bitcoin include purpose, block time, consensus model, supply cap, and programmability.Ethereum's Merge transitioned to Proof of Stake, reducing energy consumption and laying the groundwork for scalability.Real-world applications of Ethereum include DeFi, NFTs, gaming, virtual worlds, and enterprise solutions.Challenges for Ethereum include smart contract risks, network congestion, and regulatory uncertainties.Investing in ETH can be done through exchanges, staking, DeFi, or NFT platforms, with consideration for regulations.The future outlook for Ethereum includes growing Layer 2 adoption, institutional use, NFT expansion, DeFi evolution, and cross-chain interoperability.Ethereum remains at the forefront of blockchain innovation, evolving as a global decentralized infrastructure.