$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain system that features smart contract functionality. Launched in 2015, it allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) on its platform. Ether (ETH) is the native cryptocurrency used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital money, Ethereum offers a programmable blockchain, making it a foundation for DeFi (decentralized finance), NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations). With the transition to Ethereum 2.0, the network moved from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, improving energy efficiency and scalability. Ethereum remains one of the most influential platforms in the crypto ecosystem, constantly evolving to meet the demands of developers and users worldwide.