$ETH Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and other co-founders, Ethereum revolutionized the blockchain space by expanding beyond just financial transactions. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether ($ETH), is used to power the network, pay for transaction fees, and incentivize miners and validators. Ethereum introduced the concept of smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code—allowing for secure, automated agreements without intermediaries. With ongoing upgrades like Ethereum 2.0, the platform aims to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency, solidifying its position as one of the most widely used blockchain networks globally.
