$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of developers, it introduced the concept of programmable blockchain technology. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital gold, Ethereum’s blockchain allows developers to build and execute applications using self-executing contracts.

Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, improving scalability, security, and energy efficiency. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions, staking, and paying gas fees. The Ethereum ecosystem powers decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Web3 applications. With ongoing upgrades like sharding, Ethereum aims to enhance transaction speeds and reduce costs, solidifying its role in the future of decentralized computing.