Ethereum (ETH) is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum uses a proof-of-work consensus algorithm but is in the process of transitioning to a proof-of-stake algorithm to improve scalability and reduce energy consumption. Ethereum's native cryptocurrency is Ether (ETH), which is used to pay transaction fees and incentivize miners to validate tran...