$ETH

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum goes beyond simple transactions, allowing developers to create complex programs without downtime, fraud, or third-party interference. Ether (ETH) is its native cryptocurrency, used to pay for transactions and computational services on the network. Ethereum introduced the concept of gas fees, which compensate for computing power. In 2022, it transitioned to Proof of Stake (PoS) from Proof of Work (PoW) through “The Merge,” significantly reducing its energy consumption and improving scalability, security, and sustainability for future growth.