$ETH

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts—self-executing agreements with the terms directly written into code. Conceived in 2013 by programmer Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015, Ethereum's native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), serves as both a digital currency and "gas" to power transactions and computational tasks on the network. Beyond facilitating peer-to-peer transactions, Ethereum's programmable infrastructure has given rise to decentralized applications (dApps) across various sectors, including finance, gaming, and supply chain management. Its flexibility has also led to the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, offering services like lending, borrowing, and trading without traditional intermediaries. In September 2022, Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, significantly reducing its energy consumption by over 99%.

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This evolution underscores Ethereum's commitment to scalability, security, and sustainability in the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem.