Cryptocurrencies rely on blockchain technology, which is a decentralized ledger that records transactions across a network of computers, making it nearly impossible to alter past records without consensus from the network participants.
Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, and it introduced the concept of decentralized currency to the world.
The term "cryptocurrency" comes from the methods of cryptography used to secure transactions, control the creation of new units, and verify asset transfers.
Mining is a process used by some cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, where participants solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, with miners rewarded through the issuance of new coins.
Unlike traditional investments, many cryptocurrencies are not backed by physical assets or earnings, resulting in high volatility and risk profiles that can lead to dramatic price swings in short periods.
Ethereum introduced smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, enabling a wide range of decentralized applications beyond mere currency transactions.
As of 2024, there are over 20,000 different cryptocurrencies available, each with unique features and uses, which adds layers of complexity to the investment landscape.
Wallets are essential in cryptocurrency investing, categorically divided into hot wallets (connected to the internet) and cold wallets (offline storage), influencing both convenience and security.
The majority of all Bitcoin has already been mined; the total supply is capped at 21 million coins, a design feature to combat inflation and increase scarcity over time.
Market capitalization is a critical measure in cryptocurrency, calculated by multiplying the current price of a coin by its circulating supply, often used by investors to assess the overall size and health of a cryptocurrency.
The rise of stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar—has significantly influenced the market, providing a less volatile alternative and facilitating transactions between cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies.
Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are reshaping traditional financial services, such as lending and trading, allowing users to transact directly with each other through blockchain technology without intermediaries like banks.
Cryptocurrency exchanges serve as platforms for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies, but their varying levels of regulation and security can expose users to risks like hacking and fraud.
A key development in the crypto ecosystem is the concept of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), which allow for collective decision-making and governance using blockchain technology, impacting how projects operate.
Regulatory uncertainty is an ever-present factor in the cryptocurrency market, as countries differ in their approach to cryptocurrency regulation, ranging from outright banning to creating supportive frameworks.
Environmental concerns over cryptocurrency mining, particularly Bitcoin, have surged due to its significant energy consumption, propelling discussions about sustainability and the quest for more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms.
The psychology of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) heavily influences market behavior in cryptocurrency trading, often leading to irrational decision-making and increased volatility.
The concept of "gas fees" on networks like Ethereum relates to the cost of processing transactions and executing smart contracts on the blockchain, which can fluctuate widely based on network congestion and demand.
Tokenomics refers to the economic model of a cryptocurrency, encompassing factors such as the distribution of tokens, incentives for usage, and mechanisms for maintaining value, playing a vital role in the project's success.
Layer-2 solutions, such as the Lightning Network for Bitcoin and various scaling methods for Ethereum, aim to improve transaction speeds and reduce fees while maintaining security and decentralization, showcasing ongoing innovation in the space.