Ethereum (ETH): The Foundation of Decentralized Innovation
Ethereum (ETH) is the second-largest cryptocurrency and the leading smart contract platform. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum revolutionized blockchain by enabling decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, and NFTs.
Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses on digital payments, Ethereum provides a programmable blockchain where developers can create smart contracts—self-executing agreements without intermediaries. The network transitioned to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in 2022 with the Ethereum Merge, reducing energy consumption and increasing scalability.
ETH is the backbone of many blockchain ecosystems, powering transactions, DeFi lending, and NFT marketplaces. With ongoing upgrades like Ethereum 2.0 and Layer 2 scaling solutions, Ethereum continues to evolve, maintaining its dominance in the Web3 and blockchain space.
