$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that allows developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum is often considered the second-largest cryptocurrency platform after Bitcoin, due to its widespread adoption and innovation.

### Key Features of Ethereum:

1. **Smart Contracts**: Ethereum enables the creation of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts where the terms of the agreement are written directly into code. These contracts automatically execute actions when predefined conditions are met, reducing the need for intermediaries.

2. **Decentralized Applications (dApps)**: Ethereum's platform supports the development of decentralized applications that run on a peer-to-peer network, meaning they are not controlled by any single entity. dApps have a wide range of use cases, including finance (DeFi), gaming, and digital art (NFTs).

3. **Ether (ETH)**: ETH is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. It is used to pay for transaction fees (called "gas fees") and is also used as a store of value or investment.

4. **Proof of Stake (PoS)**: Ethereum transitioned from a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to Proof of Stake with its Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, aiming to make the network more energy-efficient and secure. This change reduces the environmental impact of mining, allowing participants to earn rewards by staking ETH.

5. **Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)**: The EVM is the decentralized computer that runs the Ethereum network. It processes transactions and executes smart contracts, ensuring that the blockchain operates securely and transparently.

6. **Decentralized Finance (DeFi)**: Ethereum has become the backbone for the DeFi movement, which seeks to replicate traditional financial services (lending, borrowing, trading) using blockchain technology. Ethereum-based DeFi protocols offer greater transparency and accessibility.

7. **NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)**: Ethereum is the dominant platform for NFTs, which