difference between bitcoin and ethereum

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Bitcoin and Ethereum are two of the most popular cryptocurrencies, but they serve different purposes and have distinct features. Bitcoin, created by Satoshi Nakamoto, is primarily a digital currency designed for peer-to-peer transactions, focusing on decentralization and security. In contrast, Ethereum, developed by Vitalik Buterin, is a blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications （dApps）, allowing for more complex functionalities beyond simple payments.

One key difference is their consensus mechanisms; Bitcoin uses Proof of Work （PoW）, which requires significant computational power and energy, while Ethereum has transitioned to Proof of Stake （PoS） with its Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, making it more energy-efficient and scalable. Additionally, Bitcoin has a limited supply of 21 million coins, emphasizing its role as a store of value, whereas Ethereum does not have a hard cap, supporting its use in various applications like DeFi and NFTs.

Overall, while Bitcoin is often seen as digital gold for long-term investment, Ethereum acts as a programmable platform for innovation in the blockchain space.