"$ETH " is the index code for Ethereum, which is not just a digital currency but a revolutionary decentralized blockchain platform. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily focuses on being a digital payment system, Ethereum allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (DApps) using smart contracts. These smart contracts are programs that are executed automatically when specific conditions are met, opening the door to a wide range of applications that go beyond mere value transfer.

Ether is the fuel that powers the Ethereum network, as it is used to pay transaction fees known as "gas." Ethereum ranks second in market capitalization in the world of digital currencies and is the foundation for many significant innovations such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

In 2022, Ethereum underwent a historic transition to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, known as "The Merge." This update aims to improve the energy efficiency of the network and its scalability. With its ability to support a wide range of applications, Ethereum is considered a key platform for developing the next generation of the decentralized internet (Web3).