Ethereum ($ETH ) is one of the most important and influential cryptocurrencies in the blockchain ecosystem. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders, Ethereum goes beyond just being a digital currency like Bitcoin. It is, in fact, a decentralized platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps), without the need for intermediaries.
Ethereum functions as a decentralized global computer, where anyone can create programs that run automatically and securely, with predefined and immutable rules. These programs, called smart contracts, are self-executing, meaning that once activated, they cannot be altered or interrupted by third parties. This opens up possibilities for a multitude of uses, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), games, social networks, voting systems, among others.
In 2022, Ethereum underwent one of the largest upgrades in its history: "The Merge." With this change, the network abandoned the "Proof of Work" consensus mechanism and adopted "Proof of Stake." This drastically reduced the network's energy consumption, making Ethereum more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Additionally, ETH, the native token of the network, plays a fundamental role in the functioning of the ecosystem. It is used to pay transaction fees, reward validators, and ensure the security of the network. As a constantly evolving platform with an active community, Ethereum continues to be one of the pillars of the crypto universe, attracting developers, investors, and innovators from around the world.
