$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform known for its smart contract functionality. Created by Vitalik Buterin in 2015, Ethereum allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) across various industries, including finance, gaming, and supply chain. Unlike Bitcoin, which is primarily a digital currency, Ethereum’s network supports a wide range of applications beyond peer-to-peer payments. In 2022, Ethereum transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake through "The Merge," significantly reducing its energy consumption. ETH, the platform's native cryptocurrency, is used to pay for transactions and computational services, making Ethereum a foundational technology in the evolving Web3 ecosystem.