From a programming perspective, Ethereum is an open-source, blockchain-based platform that enables developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. At its core, Ethereum provides a decentralized virtual machine, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which executes scripts using an international network of public nodes. Developers interact with Ethereum through a set of libraries and tools, most commonly using the Solidity programming language to write smart contracts. These contracts are self-executing code that automatically enforce and execute terms and conditions laid out within them, making Ethereum a powerful tool for creating trustless, transparent, and secure applications. Additionally, Ethereum's rich ecosystem includes frameworks like Truffle, which simplifies development and testing, and MetaMask, which bridges web applications and the Ethereum blockchain, making it easier to build and interact with decentralized technologies.