$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum introduced the concept of programmable blockchain, which extends beyond simple cryptocurrency transactions. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism in 2022 through "The Merge," making it more energy-efficient. It supports innovations like NFTs, DeFi, and DAOs, playing a key role in the evolution of Web3 and the digital economy.