$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 introduced programmability to blockchain technology through its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). ETH, the native cryptocurrency of the network, is used to pay transaction fees and computational services. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily functions as digital currency, Ethereum serves as a platform for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and enterprise applications. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus, it aims to enhance scalability, security, and energy efficiency, shaping blockchain’s future.