$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a leading decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) to run without downtime, fraud, or interference. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum goes beyond being just a cryptocurrency; it is a programmable blockchain where developers can build and deploy applications. ETH, the native cryptocurrency, is used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and Proof-of-Stake (PoS), the network has become more energy-efficient and scalable. Ethereum powers DeFi, NFTs, and countless blockchain innovations, making it a vital foundation of the Web3 ecosystem.