What is ethereum used for?

@richie 

Ethereum is a blockchain-based platform that is primarily used for creating and running decentralized applications (DApps). It allows developers to build smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with predefined rules and conditions, without the need for intermediaries.

Some common use cases of Ethereum include:

1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Ethereum is widely used in the development of DeFi applications, such as decentralized exchanges, lending platforms, and stablecoins.
2. Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs): Ethereum was the platform of choice for many ICOs, enabling startups to raise funds through the issuance of their own tokens.
3. Tokenization: Ethereum allows for the creation and management of digital tokens, facilitating the tokenization of real-world assets like property or artwork.
4. Decentralized Applications (DApps): Developers can build various applications on Ethereum, ranging from gaming and social media platforms to supply chain management and voting systems.
5. Interoperability: Ethereum is used as a base layer for interoperability protocols like Polkadot and Cosmos, enabling different blockchains to communicate and share assets.
6. Test and Development: Ethereum's test network (testnet) is used by developers to experiment and test smart contracts, ensuring their functionality and security before deploying them on the mainnet.