$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, it introduced programmability to blockchain, allowing developers to create self-executing contracts without intermediaries. Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, improving scalability and reducing energy consumption. It powers the DeFi ecosystem, NFTs, and various Web3 innovations. ETH, its native cryptocurrency, is used for transactions, staking, and gas fees. As Ethereum continues to evolve with layer-2 solutions and upgrades, it remains a cornerstone of the decentralized internet and digital finance.