$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum enables smart contracts—self-executing agreements coded directly onto the blockchain. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used for transactions, powering decentralized applications (dApps) and DeFi services. Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-stake system with Ethereum 2.0, making the network more energy-efficient and scalable. It remains the backbone of many Web3 projects, NFTs, and DAOs. As the most widely used smart contract platform, Ethereum plays a key role in blockchain innovation, though it faces competition and evolving regulatory scrutiny. Its future remains dynamic and influential.