#AltcoinRevolution2028 Ethereum is an open-source blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, it is the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin by market capitalization. Ethereum uses its native currency, ether (ETH), to power the network and pay transaction fees (“gas”). It has seen significant updates such as Ethereum 2.0, which moved from a proof-of-work (PoW) to a proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency. It is used in decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts, making it a cornerstone of the new digital economy.