Reading time 4
What is cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank. It is a form of decentralized currency that is created and stored electronically.
Cryptocurrencies can be used to buy goods and services, and they can also be traded on various online platforms. They offer several advantages over traditional forms of currency, including faster and cheaper transactions, greater privacy and security, and greater accessibility for people who do not have access to traditional banking services.
However, cryptocurrencies also come with some risks, including high volatility, lack of regulation, and the potential for use in illegal activities such as money laundering and fraud.
The most popular cryptocurrencies
Most popular cryptocurrencies by market cap as of March 2023:
- Bitcoin (BTC): Created in 2009, it is the first and most widely known cryptocurrency with a market capitalization of around US$1.2 trillion.
- Ethereum (ETH): Launched in 2015, it is the second largest cryptocurrency with a market capitalization of around $500 billion.
- Binance Coin (BNB): Launched in 2017 by Binance exchange. Its market capitalization is around 100 billion US dollars.
- Solana (SOL): Launched in 2020, Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed to run large-scale decentralized applications. Its market capitalization is around 90 billion US dollars.
- Cardano (ADA): Launched in 2017, Cardano is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a sustainable and more scalable alternative to other cryptocurrencies. Its market capitalization is around 80 billion US dollars.
Other popular cryptocurrencies include XRP, Dogecoin, Polkadot, and Avalanche, among others. It is important to note that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and their popularity can change rapidly depending on market conditions and investor sentiment.
The types of cryptocurrencies
There are several cryptocurrencies, each with its own unique features and intended use cases. Some of the most popular cryptocurrencies include:
- Bitcoin and Bitcoin-based cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin is the original and most famous cryptocurrency. There are several other cryptocurrencies based on the Bitcoin codebase, such as Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash.
- Smart Contract Platforms: These are cryptocurrencies designed to support the development of decentralized applications (dapps) and smart contracts.
- Privacy Coins: These are cryptocurrencies that prioritize user privacy and anonymity. Examples include Monero, Zcash and Dash.
- Stablecoins: These are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of an underlying asset such as the US dollar. They are designed to ensure stability and reduce volatility in the cryptocurrency market.
- Payment-oriented cryptocurrencies: These are cryptocurrencies intended to be used as a means of paying for goods and services.
- Energy Efficient Cryptocurrencies: These are cryptocurrencies that use less energy to operate, as opposed to the energy intensive mining required for Bitcoin. Examples include upcoming Chia and Ethereum updates to Ethereum 2.0.
It is important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive and multiple cryptocurrencies can fall under more than one category. In addition, there are thousands of cryptocurrencies, and new ones are constantly being created with unique features and intended use cases.
How does cryptocurrency work
Cryptocurrencies work through a decentralized computer system that uses cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new currencies. The main process works like this:
- Cryptocurrency transactions are initiated by sending a request from a digital wallet to the blockchain network.
- Transactions are verified and confirmed by a network of computers (called nodes) on the blockchain network.
- Once a transaction has been verified, it is recorded on a public ledger known as the blockchain.
- In the case of some cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, new units of currency are created through a process called mining.
- Cryptocurrencies are secured using a combination of cryptographic techniques and consensus mechanisms.
Generally, cryptocurrencies work through a decentralized computer system and cryptographic methods that ensure the security and integrity of transactions and the creation of new currencies.
