# Building on Ethereum

## Ethereum: The Leading Smart Contract Platform

Ethereum, launched in 2015, changed the blockchain landscape by introducing a platform for creating decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses on transactions, Ethereum aims to be a “world computer,” allowing developers to write contracts that automatically execute based on specific rules.

Ethereum’s biggest strengths are its large, secure network and active developer community. Since 2022, “The Merge” it uses a proof-of-stake system. As the most popular smart contract platform, Ethereum supports a wide range of dApps, mostly recognized by it’s robust DeFi infrastructure.

## Solidity: Ethereum’s Smart Contract Language

Solidity is the main programming language for writing smart contracts on Ethereum, and the most widely used blockchain programming language in the industry. It was created specifically for Ethereum and is similar to other programming languages like JavaScript, C++, and Python, making it easier for developers to learn.

Solidity is designed for building secure, precise contracts, which is important since mistakes can lead to financial losses. It includes features like inheritance and custom data types, allowing developers to create complex smart contracts. With its extensive tools and strong community support, Solidity is not only used on the Ethereum blockchain, but on many other compatible networks like Binance Smart Chain and Polygon.

<br>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://rentible.gitbook.io/rentible.io/technological-foundations/building-on-ethereum.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.