$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) to run without central authority. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum introduced the concept of programmable blockchain, allowing developers to create self-executing contracts. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions and computational services within the network. Ethereum transitioned from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism with Ethereum 2.0, making it more energy-efficient. It plays a crucial role in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Web3 development, shaping the future of blockchain technology.