Cryptocurrency, also known as just crypto, is any type of currency that exists digitally or virtually and uses encryption to make transactions secure. Cryptocurrencies have no central authority that issues or regulates them, instead using a decentralized system to record transactions and issue new units.
What is Cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency
is a digital payment mechanism that does not rely on banks for transaction
verification. It is a peer-to-peer payment system that lets anybody send and
receive money from anywhere.
Instead
of physical money being carried around and exchanged in real life, Cryptocurrency
payments are merely digital records in an online database detailing specific
transactions.
When
payments are transferred in Cryptocurrency, the transactions are recorded in a
public registry. Digital wallets are used to store Cryptocurrency.
Cryptocurrency |
The name Cryptocurrency arose because encryption is used to verify transactions. Advanced programming is thus involved in the storage and transfer of Cryptocurrency data between wallets and public records. Providing security and safety is the aim of encryption.
The
first Cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which was founded in 2009 and is still today
the most famous. Much of the interest in cryptocurrencies is based on the fact
that they are traded for profit, and speculators sometimes drive prices through
the roof.
Cryptography is not a new idea
Indeed, cryptography has been used for a
long time. During the Second World War, this technology
was used to be able to communicate in a more secure way. The goal of encryption
is to give protection and safety. Today, the same technology is used to encrypt
digital money, but the method has been refined.
With
computers and new elements of mathematical theory, systems have been developed
that are incredibly safe. They can secure both information and money traveling
online in ways that were not before feasible. The first Cryptocurrency that used
a modern mathematical system was Bitcoin and it was added back in 2009. Bitcoin
is the most popular digital money today, but there are many more.
There
can be around 1000 different cryptocurrencies so this is an exciting area, to
say the least with a lot going on!
Cryptocurrency history
You
might think that Cryptocurrency was developed with the aim of creating
digital money and crushing the big banks, but the currency's cradle is actually a completely different invention.
Founder of Cryptocurrency
Satoshi Nakamoto who is behind Bitcoin did not intend to
develop a new currency. When he was about to launch Bitcoin in late 2008, he
announced that he had developed a Peer to Peer system for electronic money.
That is a system between friends, and users, rather than between users and banking
services, and then to users again.
The
most important aspect of Satoshi's idea was that he succeeded in developing a
decentralized digital monetary system. Many attempts had been made in the past
but none had managed to create something that worked as well as Satoshi's
system.
Satoshi
set out to develop a digital solution for money that was shared between users
instead of turning to a central entity to relay money and information. This is what laid the foundation for what we today call
Cryptocurrency.
But what exactly are cryptocurrencies?
The
technology behind cryptocurrencies is quite complex. If you were to define
these in a simple way, you could say that they are limited entries in a
database that no one can change without first meeting special requirements.
Anyone who knows a little about common currencies recognizes the concept because it describes every currency that exists. It's the same thing if you look at the money in your bank account. If you take a look at the money in your bank account, it's exactly the same thing.
These are entries in a database that can
only be changed when certain conditions are met. You can also see the concept
with completely ordinary coins and notes.
How does Cryptocurrency work?
Cryptocurrency
runs on a distributed public ledger called the blockchain, a record of all
transactions that is updated and held by everyone who owns the currency.
Cryptocurrency
units are created through a process called mining or mining and involve using
computing power to solve complex mathematical problems that generate coins.
Users can also buy the currencies from brokers, and then save and spend those
using cryptographic wallets.
how cryptocurrency work |
You don't possess anything concrete if you hold Cryptocurrency. You have a key that allows you to transmit a record or a unit of measurement from one person to another without the need of a trustworthy third party.
Names of cryptocurrencies
There
are thousands of cryptocurrencies. Some of the most famous are:
Bitcoin
Bitcoin
was launched in 2009. It was the first Cryptocurrency and is still the most
traded. The currency was developed by Satoshi Nakamoto – widely believed to be
a pseudonym for an individual or group whose identity is unknown.
Ethereum
Launched
in 2015, Ethereum is a blockchain platform with its own Cryptocurrency, Ether
(ETH) or Ethereum. After Bitcoin, it is the second most popular cryptocurrency.
Litecoin
This
currency is most similar to bitcoin but has moved faster to develop new
innovations, including faster payments and processes that allow more
transactions.
Ripple
A
distributed ledger system called Ripple was established in 2012. Ripple can be
used to track more than just Cryptocurrency transactions. Its founding company
has worked with a number of banks and financial institutions.
Non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies are
frequently referred to as "altcoins" to differentiate them from the
original.
Summary
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can best be described as
potential currencies despite not being widely recognized as means of payment.
With their significant limitations, it is difficult to develop cryptocurrencies
into full-fledged currencies. There are also questions about whether
cryptocurrencies are part of a financial bubble.
It is possible, but unlikely, that cryptocurrencies could be used
as commodities to any great extent in the future. The potential use of the
blockchain technology behind cryptocurrencies is a very interesting question.
It is possible that this technology will be used for other purposes, including
legal transactions, and security programs.
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