$ETH

Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables smart contracts—self-executing programs that run without intermediaries. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) across industries like finance, gaming, and supply chains. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), powers transactions and computational services. In 2022, Ethereum transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake via “The Merge,” significantly reducing energy consumption. Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses on peer-to-peer currency, Ethereum offers a programmable platform. Ethereum continues to evolve with upgrades like sharding, aiming to improve scalability, speed, and cost-efficiency while fostering a global, trustless digital economy.