$ETH Ethereum ($ETH) is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum introduced programmability to blockchain technology, allowing developers to build and deploy applications without intermediaries.

ETH, the platform’s native cryptocurrency, is used for transactions, paying gas fees, and securing the network. Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) in 2022 through "The Merge," improving energy efficiency and scalability.

With ongoing upgrades like Ethereum 2.0 and layer-2 solutions, ETH remains a dominant force in decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 development, solidifying its position as the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization.