Ethereum is an open source platform for creating and deploying distributed applications.
Ethereum is backed up by a large number of computers (also known as nodes)—all interconnected and storing data in a distributed ledger. Distributed ledger here means that a copy of this ledger is available to each and every node on the network. It provides flexibility to its developers to deploy their solution to multiple types. Developers should choose an appropriate network based on their requirements and use cases. These different networks also help in deploying solutions and smart contracts on networks that do not actually cost any Ether or money. There are networks that are free of cost while there are ones that require its users to pay in terms of Ether or other currencies for its usage.