Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, and it introduced the concept of blockchain technology, which is a decentralized ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers.
Ethereum, launched in 2015, introduced smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code.
This innovation allows for decentralized applications (dApps) to be built on its platform, expanding the use of blockchain beyond mere currency transactions.
As of March 2025, the cryptocurrency market cap has experienced significant volatility, peaking at over $3 trillion in November 2021 and dipping below $1 trillion by mid-2022.
This fluctuation illustrates the high-risk nature of cryptocurrency investments.
The market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs) exploded in 2021, with NFTs being unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology.
This development opened new avenues for digital art, collectibles, and gaming, highlighting the versatility of blockchain applications beyond cryptocurrencies.
Tether (USDT) is a stablecoin that aims to keep its value pegged to a fiat currency, typically the US dollar.
It provides a way for traders to move funds in and out of crypto markets without the volatility associated with other cryptocurrencies.
The concept of "halving" in Bitcoin occurs approximately every four years, reducing the reward for mining new blocks by half.
This mechanism is designed to control inflation and ensures that the total supply of Bitcoin will never exceed 21 million coins.
The Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, used by Bitcoin and Ethereum (prior to Ethereum 2.0), requires miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions.
This process consumes a significant amount of energy, leading to environmental concerns.
Ethereum is transitioning to a Proof of Stake (PoS) model with Ethereum 2.0, which is expected to reduce energy consumption by over 99% compared to its current PoW model.
PoS allows validators to create new blocks and confirm transactions based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is an emerging sector within the cryptocurrency ecosystem that aims to recreate traditional financial systems, such as lending and borrowing, without intermediaries.
DeFi platforms often use smart contracts to automate processes and reduce costs.
The concept of tokenomics refers to the economic model behind a cryptocurrency, including factors like supply, distribution, and incentives for holders.
Strong tokenomics can indicate potential for long-term growth and stability within a project.
Privacy coins, such as Monero and Zcash, use advanced cryptographic techniques to obfuscate transaction details, providing users with enhanced privacy compared to Bitcoin, where transactions are publicly visible on the blockchain.
The Lightning Network is an off-chain scaling solution for Bitcoin that enables faster and cheaper transactions by creating a network of payment channels.
This technology aims to address scalability issues as the Bitcoin network continues to grow.
Layer 2 solutions, like Optimistic Rollups and zk-Rollups for Ethereum, are designed to improve transaction speed and reduce costs by processing transactions off the main blockchain while still ensuring security through the main chain.
The term "HODL" originated from a misspelled forum post in 2013 and has since become a rallying cry for long-term cryptocurrency holders who believe in the future potential of their investments despite short-term market volatility.
The concept of "gas fees" in Ethereum refers to the cost required to execute a transaction or smart contract on the network.
These fees compensate miners for the computing power needed to process and validate transactions, and they can vary significantly based on network congestion.
The use of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) is gaining traction, where governance of a project is managed by smart contracts and community voting, allowing for collective decision-making without a central authority.
The Federal Reserve's monetary policy, particularly interest rate changes, can significantly impact cryptocurrency markets.
For example, lower interest rates may lead to increased investment in riskier assets like cryptocurrencies as investors seek higher returns.
The rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) reflects the growing interest of governments in adopting blockchain technology for their own currencies, potentially altering the landscape of traditional finance and competing with cryptocurrencies.
The concept of "yield farming" in DeFi allows users to earn interest or rewards by providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges.
This practice can be highly lucrative but also carries risks, including impermanent loss and smart contract vulnerabilities.
The role of regulation in the cryptocurrency space is evolving, with various countries implementing frameworks to govern digital assets.
Regulatory clarity can influence market confidence and the adoption of cryptocurrencies in the mainstream financial system.