$ETH Ethereum: Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform with smart contract functionality. It allows developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (dApps) and various other decentralized solutions. It's often called "the world's programmable blockchain."

* Ether (ETH): Ether is the cryptocurrency that powers the Ethereum network. It's used for:

* Paying transaction fees (gas fees): Users need ETH to execute transactions and interact with smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain.

* Incentivizing validators: Participants who secure the network through staking (in the current Proof-of-Stake model) are rewarded with ETH.

* Store of value/investment: Like other cryptocurrencies, many people hold ETH as an investment, expecting its value to increase