Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum introduced programmable blockchain functionality, setting it apart from Bitcoin’s simpler transaction model. Its native cryptocurrency, ETH, is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the network. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and the adoption of a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, the platform aims to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency. As the foundation for many DeFi projects and NFTs, Ethereum remains a key pillar of the Web3 ecosystem.