$ETH

Implementation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dapps). It was invented by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015, developed to expand the functionality of blockchain technology beyond just value transfer, by introducing programmability.

At the heart of Ethereum is the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), an execution environment that processes smart contracts, ensuring that the code runs exactly as written without central oversight. This design enables developers to build applications that operate transparently and without the need for trust, thereby meeting the needs of use cases in areas such as finance, digital identity, and supply chain management.

Ether (ETH), the native digital currency of the platform, is used to pay for network operation costs, such as gas fees, and to support incentives that maintain the security of the network. By facilitating these core functions, Ether supports routine transactions and increases participant engagement in the ecosystem. Ether is also one of the main assets traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, enabling users to trade or invest in various digital assets and actively participate in decentralized finance (DeFi) markets.

The open-source nature of Ethereum and its active global development community drive continuous improvements to its protocol. This ongoing development supports a wide range of applications and positions Ethereum as a leading platform.