$ETH

Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a group of developers, Ethereum introduced the concept of a programmable blockchain, going beyond Bitcoin’s function as a digital currency. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the network.

Ethereum plays a central role in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, enabling peer-to-peer financial services without intermediaries. It also powers a vast range of applications in gaming, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations), and more. With the transition from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake (Ethereum 2.0), the network has significantly improved its energy efficiency, scalability, and security. This upgrade, completed in 2022 with "The Merge," positions Ethereum as a leading platform in the blockchain space, fostering innovation and adoption in Web3 technologies. Its ongoing development continues to shape the future of decentralized systems and digital assets.