Ethereum ($ETH) isn’t just a cryptocurrency; it’s the backbone of Web3 innovation. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum introduced smart contracts — self-executing agreements that run without intermediaries. This breakthrough powers decentralized apps (dApps), DeFi platforms, NFTs, and even entire virtual worlds like Decentraland. Unlike Bitcoin, which mainly stores value, Ethereum acts like a global supercomputer. With Ethereum 2.0 upgrades (like proof-of-stake), $ETH became faster, more scalable, and eco-friendly, slashing its energy use by over 99%. Today, nearly every major blockchain project either runs on Ethereum or started by copying its model, making $ETH a true digital pioneer.