$ETH

Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, following Bitcoin. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum's main function is to provide a platform for developers to build and deploy applications. The network uses Ether ($ETH) as its native cryptocurrency to power transactions and smart contracts. Ethereum's transition to Ethereum 2.0 aims to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency, shifting from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake.