Ethereum ($ETH ) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum revolutionized blockchain technology by extending its functionality beyond cryptocurrency. Ether (ETH) is its native cryptocurrency, used to pay for transactions and computational services. Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism in 2022 with “The Merge,” significantly reducing its energy consumption. It supports innovations in DeFi (decentralized finance), NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and Web3. Ethereum’s adaptability and active developer community make it one of the most important platforms in the crypto ecosystem.