ETH, or Ethereum, is a decentralized blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It was proposed by Vitalik Buterin in 2013 and launched in 2015. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, ETH serves not only as a digital currency but also as "fuel" for executing operations on the Ethereum network. ETH operates on a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of Stake (PoS), which allows users to validate transactions and create new blocks by holding and staking their coins. This system aims to enhance security and reduce energy consumption compared to the previous Proof of Work (PoW) model. As a result, ETH has become a popular choice for developers and investors alike.