$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is one of the most important and influential cryptocurrencies in the world, second only to Bitcoin in market capitalization. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum is not just a digital currency but a powerful blockchain platform that enables the creation of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as a store of value, Ethereum’s blockchain allows developers to build and deploy applications without relying on centralized servers. One of Ethereum’s major upgrades, known as Ethereum 2.0 or the Merge, transitioned the network from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS), significantly improving energy efficiency and scalability. Ethereum is the backbone of many innovations in the crypto space, including decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and Web3 development. Due to its wide use, strong developer community, and ongoing upgrades, ETH remains a vital asset in the cryptocurrency ecosystem and a favorite among investors.
