$ETH Ethereum is the leading public blockchain network that introduced smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and other decentralized solutions for the cryptocurrency industry.

The native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, Ether (ETH), serves as the main cryptocurrency to support applications built on its blockchain.

Ether is the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, after Bitcoin (BTC). Although many people often compare Ethereum and Bitcoin, both are significantly different implementations of blockchain technology.

Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum is not just for preserving or transferring value. The Ethereum blockchain provides powerful tools for developers to create and deploy their own decentralized assets and services, with their own unique interoperability.

A core concept behind Ethereum and its various applications is that there is no central authority governing this network. Instead, Ethereum users collectively maintain and secure the blockchain.

The creator of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, once described Bitcoin as a pocket calculator and Ethereum as a smartphone. Bitcoin is designed to perform one function very well — transferring value.

On the other hand, Ethereum developers can create complex applications with almost limitless functionality.

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