$ETH **Ethereum (ETH)** is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and a pioneering platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital gold, Ethereum is a programmable blockchain that enables developers to build decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, NFTs, and other blockchain-based innovations. Its native token, **Ether (ETH)**, fuels transactions and computational services on the network. Ethereum transitioned from a **Proof-of-Work (PoW)** to a **Proof-of-Stake (PoS)** consensus mechanism in 2022 (the Merge), significantly reducing energy consumption. However, challenges like high gas fees and scalability persist, which upgrades like **Ethereum 2.0** aim to address. As the backbone of Web3, ETH remains a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem, driving innovation and adoption in decentralized technologies.