$ETH Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain that allows developers to build and run smart contracts and dApps (decentralized apps) without central control. Its native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH).

Key points:

Runs on Proof of Stake (since 2022's "Merge")

Powers DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 apps

Uses gas fees (paid in ETH) for transactions

Supports token standards like ERC-20 and ERC-721

Future upgrades (like sharding) aim to boost scalability

It's like a global, programmable blockchain computer.