$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open blockchain platform that allows developers to create and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders, Ethereum introduced programmability into blockchain technology through its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). ETH, the native cryptocurrency of the network, is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as a digital currency, Ethereum serves as a platform for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and enterprise applications. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus, it aims to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency, shaping the future of blockchain.