#ETHCrossed2500 Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain system that features smart contract functionality. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum enables developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) using its platform. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as digital money, Ethereum offers a more versatile infrastructure with its own cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH). Ether is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the network. Ethereum is transitioning to Ethereum 2.0, aiming to improve scalability, security, and sustainability through a proof-of-stake mechanism. As a result, Ethereum plays a crucial role in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 innovations.