$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 introduced the concept of programmable blockchain technology, expanding beyond Bitcoin’s original scope. ETH, the native cryptocurrency, is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the network. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and its shift from Proof-of-Work to Proof-of-Stake, the platform has significantly improved scalability, energy efficiency, and security. Ethereum supports a vast ecosystem of DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs, making it a foundational layer in the growing world of Web3.