$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, known for introducing smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi), and decentralized applications (DApps). Since its launch in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum has set to revolutionize the blockchain industry by enabling decentralized applications to run on a global network of nodes. Ethereum uses Ether (ETH) as its native currency, powering transactions and smart contracts.

Ethereum’s Core Utility and Ecosystem

Ethereum’s utility lies in its ability to support smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) across industries like finance, gaming, and supply chain. These DApps function autonomously without central authority. Ethereum is also the foundation for NFTs (non-fungible tokens), decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and other DeFi protocols, making it a core component of the decentralized internet.

Ethereum enables the execution of smart contracts, providing a trustless environment for users to transact. Gas fees, paid in ETH, ensure the network's operations remain efficient. Every transaction or smart contract interaction requires gas, making ETH a critical asset in the blockchain economy. The Ethereum blockchain has grown into a comprehensive network for decentralized apps, NFTs, and more.