$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform known for its smart contract functionality. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) that run without downtime, fraud, or interference. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is the second-largest by market capitalization after Bitcoin. Ethereum introduced innovations like decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). In 2022, it transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to the energy-efficient Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism through “The Merge.” Ethereum continues to evolve, aiming to improve scalability, security, and sustainability in the blockchain ecosystem.