$ETH **Ethereum ($ETH)** is a decentralized blockchain platform enabling smart contracts and dApps. Its native cryptocurrency, **Ether (ETH)**, powers transactions and gas fees. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum pioneered programmable money, fueling DeFi, NFTs, and Web3. The 2022 **Merge** shifted it to energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS). ETH’s value hinges on network adoption, developer activity, and macroeconomic trends. Despite scalability challenges, upgrades like **Dencun** (2024) aim to reduce costs via proto-danksharding. Competing with Solana and Layer 2s, Ethereum remains the dominant smart contract platform, with ETH serving as both a tradeable asset and ecosystem backbone.