$ETH ($ETH) is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap and the leading smart contract platform. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum enables developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) that run without intermediaries. Its native token, ETH, is used to pay for transactions, interact with dApps, and secure the network. Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake through "The Merge," significantly reducing its energy consumption. It's the foundation of DeFi, NFTs, and countless Web3 innovations. With upgrades like Ethereum 2.0 improving scalability and speed, ETH continues to be at the heart of blockchain innovation, powering the next generation of digital finance and decentralized services.