$ETH Ethereum 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, allowing for complex transactions without intermediaries. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), powers the network and is used for transaction fees and computational services. Ethereum's transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism with Ethereum 2.0 aims to enhance scalability, security, and energy efficiency. As a leading platform in the blockchain space, Ethereum continues to drive innovation, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).