Cryptocurrency. It’s now the hottest term in the world of investment. But what exactly is cryptocurrency? Have you ever heard of Ethereum, Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin, or XRP? They’re in fact different kinds of cryptocurrencies (aka digital money). And you can find them anywhere.
But more on it will be covered later. Let’s first define what exactly cryptocurrency is.
Cryptocurrency: What Is It?
People use cryptocurrencies as investments and for online transactions. To purchase “coins” or “tokens” of a certain kind of cryptocurrency, you must exchange actual money, such dollars. Each cryptocurrency coin is a distinct line of code. Additionally, because cryptocurrencies cannot be replicated, it is simple to trace and identify them as they are exchanged.
The Function of Cryptocurrency
On the Internet, cryptocurrency is traded directly between users, cutting out middlemen like banks or governments. They are decentralized, which means that neither a government nor a bank has any authority over how they are created, valued, or traded.
How Does Someone Earn Cryptocurrency?
A person may get cryptocurrency in one of two ways: either by purchasing it or by “mining” for it.
The technology behind cryptocurrencies is known as blockchain technology. A blockchain is similar to a really lengthy receipt that continues getting longer with every cryptocurrency trade. It is a public archive of every bitcoin transaction that has ever taken place.
In the realm of cryptocurrency, mining is the process of using computers to solve very difficult mathematical puzzles that ensure new cryptocurrency transactions are accurate. The blockchain is then updated with those transactions (aka the receipt). These individuals mining are then compensated in bitcoin for confirming that a transaction conducted using cryptocurrency is legitimate.
How Are Your Cryptocurrencies Stored?
You keep your cryptocurrencies in something known as a “digital wallet,” which is often available via an app or through the merchant where you buy your coins. You get a private key from your wallet—a special code that you input to approve purchases digitally. It is mathematical evidence that the transaction was legitimate.
What Different Kinds of Cryptocurrencies Exist?
Although Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, there are other types as well. There is Mooncoin, Litecoin, Polkadot, Chainlink, etc. Let’s focus on the leading candidates:
Bitcoin
Yes, when you mention cryptocurrencies, most people immediately think of this well-known brand. This is due to the fact that it was the first cryptocurrency and has been in existence for a long. A person who goes by the nickname Satoshi Nakamoto invented Bitcoin in 2009.
Despite the volatility of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin seems to be a favorite among investors because they believe it to be somewhat stronger and more stable than the competition. Additionally, it has a far greater value than its rivals (for now).
Ethereum
After Bitcoin, this cryptocurrency is the most widely used. Ether is a cryptocurrency similar to Bitcoin, however Ethereum is also a bit different. While Ethereum has developed into a network that can be used to perform old things (like purchasing art) in new ways, Bitcoin was developed as a substitute for conventional currencies like the dollar.
Dogecoin
Dogecoin, pronounced “dohj-coin,” was first created as a joke in 2013 and is now the hottest investment. At the time, a meme featuring a Shiba Inu (a kind of dog) with the moniker “Doge” was popular.
With cryptocurrency, what can you purchase?
Most individuals still see bitcoins as investments at this stage. But the use of cryptocurrencies as money is accelerating and growing. And if these cryptocurrencies continue to gain popularity, employing crypto in this manner may become increasingly more common.
Several well-known merchants, including Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Etsy, Expedia, and PayPal, now accept cryptocurrency payments. Of course, any two individuals who value the tokens may deal with each other to swap them for products or services.
