$ETH #ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain system that features smart contract functionality. It was proposed in 2013 by programmer Vitalik Buterin and went live in 2015. Ethereum allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and deploy self-executing smart contracts without the need for intermediaries. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital currency, Ethereum focuses on programmable transactions. It transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism in 2022 (The Merge), significantly reducing its energy consumption. Ethereum is also a key player in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 technologies, aiming to create a more open and accessible digital economy.