Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, introduced in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto.
Its decentralized nature eliminates the need for a central authority, making it the original blockchain implementation.
Ethereum, created by Vitalik Buterin and launched in 2015, brought the concept of smart contracts to the cryptocurrency world, allowing developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on its blockchain.
The supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million coins.
This limited supply is a key factor in its value, as scarcity often drives demand, similar to precious metals like gold.
Solana is known for its high throughput capacity, capable of handling 65,000 transactions per second by utilizing a unique consensus mechanism called Proof of History, which timestamps transactions to ensure network efficiency.
Stablecoins like Tether (USDT) are pegged to traditional currencies or assets to minimize volatility.
Tether is pegged to the US dollar, and each USDT is backed by reserves consisting of cash or cash equivalents.
Cardano is notable for its use of peer-reviewed academic research in its development, employing a unique proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which is designed to be more energy-efficient than traditional proof-of-work systems.
Blockchain technology underpins cryptocurrencies, which operates as a distributed ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers, ensuring transparency and security without central control.
Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network for Bitcoin aim to improve scalability by creating off-chain transactions, allowing users to conduct transactions faster and at a lower cost compared to on-chain transactions.
The concept of “halving” is significant in Bitcoin’s lifecycle, occurring approximately every four years, where the number of new Bitcoins created halved, impacting supply and often price due to increased scarcity.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has emerged as a major application of cryptocurrencies, allowing users to perform financial transactions without intermediaries through protocols built on platforms like Ethereum.
The process of "staking" allows holders of certain cryptocurrencies, like Cardano or Ethereum 2.0, to earn rewards by participating in the network's consensus process, thus providing liquidity and security to the blockchain.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets that represent ownership of specific items or artworks on the blockchain, exemplifying the versatility of blockchain technology beyond currency.
The DApps landscape has expanded rapidly, with thousands of decentralized applications built on platforms like Ethereum, ranging from gaming and finance to social networking, demonstrating the potential of blockchain technology.
The concept of “gas fees” on platforms like Ethereum refers to the cost of processing transactions, calculated based on transaction complexity and network demand.
High gas fees can limit the accessibility of using Ethereum for smaller transactions.
The environmental impact of cryptocurrencies, particularly those using proof-of-work systems, raises concerns over electricity consumption.
For example, Bitcoin mining consumes more energy annually than some entire countries.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are being explored by various governments, who see blockchain’s potential to revolutionize monetary policy, enhance payment systems, and foster financial inclusion.
The first cryptocurrency exchange, BitcoinMarket.com, launched in 2010, revolutionized how cryptocurrencies are traded, setting the stage for the emergence of numerous exchanges worldwide.
Tokenomics refers to the economic model behind a cryptocurrency, including its supply, distribution, and incentives for holders, which can significantly impact its long-term viability and growth potential.
Security tokens represent traditional assets like stocks or real estate on a blockchain and offer regulatory compliance following SEC guidelines, contrasting with utility tokens that often serve networks and applications.
Despite explosive growth, the cryptocurrency market remains highly speculative, with volatility driven by various factors including regulatory changes, technological advancements, and macroeconomic trends.