$ETH

**Ethereum (ETH)** is a decentralized, open-source blockchain system that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Proposed by **Vitalik Buterin** in 2013 and launched in 2015, Ethereum allows developers to create programmable digital agreements without intermediaries.

**ETH (Ether)** is Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, used for transaction fees, computational services, and as a store of value. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital money, Ethereum supports a broader ecosystem, including **DeFi (Decentralized Finance), NFTs, and DAOs**.

Ethereum transitioned from **Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS)** with the 2022 **Merge**, improving energy efficiency. Future upgrades aim to enhance scalability and reduce fees, ensuring Ethereum remains a leading blockchain for decentralized applications and financial innovations.