$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, it introduced programmability through its Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), setting it apart from Bitcoin. ETH is the network’s native cryptocurrency, used to pay for transaction fees and computational services. Ethereum is transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake via Ethereum 2.0, aiming to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency. It supports a vast ecosystem including DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs, making it a foundational layer for Web3 innovation and one of the most significant crypto platforms today.