$ETH

Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that revolutionized digital technology by enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum was designed not just as a digital currency but as a global computer, where developers can build and deploy secure, self-executing contracts without the need for intermediaries. Its native token, Ether, powers the network by paying for transaction fees—often referred to as “gas”—which facilitate everything from financial transactions to complex decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Recently, Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, dramatically reducing energy consumption while boosting scalability and security. This shift has further established Ethereum as a foundational platform for innovations in NFTs, DeFi, and Web3 technologies, making it one of the most influential cryptocurrencies in today’s digital ecosystem.