#MarketRebound Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, it goes beyond Bitcoin’s use as digital currency by allowing programmable transactions. Ethereum is the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and thousands of tokens. Its native currency, ETH, is used to pay transaction fees and secure the network through staking. Following "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-stake consensus, reducing energy consumption significantly. Ethereum continues to lead the blockchain space with upgrades focused on scalability and lower fees.