$ETH

Ethereum (ETH) is an open-source blockchain platform and digital currency launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin. Ethereum allows the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) without the need for a mediator or third party. The currency "Ether" is used to pay transaction fees and run applications on the network. Ethereum is characterized by its flexibility and potential for development, making it the foundation for many decentralized finance (DeFi) projects and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In 2022, it transitioned to a Proof of Stake mechanism to reduce energy consumption. Ethereum is the second-largest digital currency by market capitalization after Bitcoin.