$ETH is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, a decentralized platform enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015, Ethereum revolutionized blockchain by allowing programmable transactions, powering innovations like DeFi (decentralized finance) and NFTs (non-fungible tokens). ETH fuels the network, paying for transactions and computational services. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum focuses on utility over store-of-value, though it remains a top crypto asset. Its ongoing transition to Ethereum 2.0, shifting to proof-of-stake consensus, aims to enhance scalability, energy efficiency, and security. As a foundational layer for Web3, Ethereum continues to drive blockchain adoption across finance, gaming, and decentralized governance.