$ETH is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015, Ethereum has become one of the most significant blockchain networks in the world.

Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum allows developers to build and deploy smart contracts—self-executing agreements with predefined conditions. This innovation has paved the way for Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and various blockchain-based applications.

Ethereum transitioned from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, reducing energy consumption and improving scalability. The network’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used for transaction fees, staking, and interacting with smart contracts.

With continuous upgrades and a strong developer community, Ethereum remains at the forefront of blockchain innovation, driving the adoption of decentralized technologies across multiple industries.