$ETH Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others. Unlike Bitcoin, which mainly serves as digital money, Ethereum enables smart contracts—self-executing programs that run without intermediaries. This feature powers decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi (decentralized finance), NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and more. Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake in 2022 with the “Merge,” reducing energy consumption significantly. ETH, its native cryptocurrency, is used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. Ethereum is a foundation for Web3, aiming to decentralize the internet, but it faces competition and ongoing challenges with scalability and gas fees.