$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 has become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, after Bitcoin. Its native currency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions and powering applications on the network. Ethereum’s major upgrade, known as Ethereum 2.0, transitioned the network from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, making it more energy-efficient and scalable. Widely used in DeFi (Decentralized Finance), NFTs, and Web3 projects, Ethereum continues to drive innovation in the blockchain space, attracting developers, investors, and institutions from around the world.