$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum operates through its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), used for transactions and as a means to power decentralized networks. Unlike Bitcoin, which serves primarily as a digital currency, Ethereum's primary purpose is to act as a platform for decentralized applications and smart contract execution. Ethereum's decentralized nature allows for greater transparency, security, and trust without the need for intermediaries. The Ethereum network is continuously evolving, with updates such as Ethereum 2.0 aiming to improve scalability, security, and sustainability by transitioning to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, reducing energy consumption significantly.