$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum introduced programmable contracts that execute automatically when conditions are met, revolutionizing blockchain technology beyond just cryptocurrency. Its native currency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions and computational services on the network. Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake in 2022 with "The Merge," improving energy efficiency. It plays a central role in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 ecosystems, making it one of the most influential crypto platforms globally.