$ETH Ethereum is a global, open-source platform for decentralized applications, powered by its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH). Beyond simply digital money, Ethereum's core innovation lies in its ability to execute "smart contracts"—self-executing code that automates agreements and transactions without intermediaries. This programmable blockchain functionality set it apart, opening doors to a new era of decentralized technologies.

This foundational capability has fueled the rapid growth of entire industries. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) thrives on Ethereum, offering peer-to-peer financial services like lending and trading. Moreover, the explosion of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which represent unique digital ownership, largely originated and continues to flourish on the Ethereum network, transforming art, gaming, and digital collectibles.

As it undergoes continuous upgrades, most notably the shift to a more sustainable Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, Ethereum remains a crucial infrastructure for the burgeoning Web3 movement. Its vibrant developer community and extensive ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps) continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, promising a future where digital interactions are more open, secure, and user-controlled