$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum goes beyond Bitcoin’s capabilities by allowing programmable transactions. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), powers the network by facilitating transactions and rewarding validators. Ethereum transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake in 2022 with the Merge, significantly reducing energy consumption. It is a foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and numerous blockchain innovations. With ongoing upgrades like sharding, Ethereum aims to improve scalability, security, and efficiency, solidifying its position as a leading platform in the crypto ecosystem.