$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 a team of developers, Ethereum introduced the concept of a programmable blockchain, which goes beyond simple transactions. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to power operations on the network and is one of the most valuable digital assets. Ethereum has become a foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and many other innovative technologies. In 2022, Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, reducing its energy consumption significantly. This upgrade, called "The Merge," marked a major step toward a more scalable, secure, and sustainable blockchain ecosystem.