$ETH

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). It was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015. Ethereum's native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions, paying fees, and supporting the network.

Key features of Ethereum include:

1. Smart Contracts: Self-executing contracts with terms directly written in code.

2. Decentralized Applications (DApps): Applications built on Ethereum's blockchain without centralized control.

3. Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM): A computing environment that enables developers to execute code globally.

Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) in 2022 via the Merge, making it more energy-efficient. ETH is a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem and powers many tokens and NFTs.