**Ethereum: The Backbone of Decentralized Innovation**
Ethereum is one of the most influential cryptocurrencies, revolutionizing the blockchain space with its smart contract functionality. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum enables developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and launch their own tokens, fostering innovations in finance, gaming, supply chain, and more.
Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as digital gold, Ethereum is a programmable blockchain. Its native currency, Ether (ETH), is not only a store of value but also powers transactions and operations on the network. With its transition to Ethereum 2.0 and a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Ethereum is prioritizing scalability, energy efficiency, and security. As the foundation of decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs, Ethereum continues to shape the future of Web3.
