$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum introduced the concept of programmable money, expanding blockchain use beyond simple transactions. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transactions, computational services, and staking within the network. Unlike Bitcoin, which mainly serves as digital currency, Ethereum functions as a global, open-source platform for innovation. In 2022, Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake system through "The Merge," significantly reducing its energy consumption. Ethereum continues to be a cornerstone of the Web3 ecosystem, powering decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and many other emerging blockchain-based industries.