CRYPTOCURRENCIES
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that are not controlled by a central authority and their transactions are verified by a decentralised network of users. They use mathematical algorithms to secure transactions and have become a popular form of investment in recent years.
BITCOIN
Bitcoin enables direct and secure payments around the world without the need for a middleman such as banks or payment gateways. Each transaction is verified by users on the Bitcoin network and recorded on the blockchain, which is a public and immutable ledger of records.
Bitcoin has a limited total supply of 21 million coins, which guarantees its decentralization and stability. Bitcoin has become the largest cryptocurrency on the market with a market capitalization of over $1 trillion and continues to grow in popularity among people looking for an alternative way to store their money and investment opportunities.
ETHEREUM
Ethereum is a decentralized platform that enables the creation and launch of smart contracts and decentralized applications. It was launched in 2015 and is the second largest cryptocurrency on the market after Bitcoin with a capitalization of over $500 billion.
Ethereum uses its own cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), as a means of payment on the network and as a reward for miners who verify transactions. Ethereum also features faster transaction speeds and lower fees than Bitcoin. With its ability to create smart contracts, Ethereum has become a popular choice for developers of decentralized applications and projects in the field of DeFi (Decentralized Finance).
Smart Contract
A smart contract is a programmable contract code on the blockchain that allows for automatic financial transactions without the need for an intermediary.
DeFi
DeFi stands for Decentralized Finance and is a new way to use cryptocurrencies for financial services such as lending, revenue, and trading, without traditional financial institutions. DeFi projects are built on blockchain and use smart contracts to execute financial transactions.
Market capitalisation
Market cap, or market capitalization, is an indicator used to quantify the total value of a given cryptocurrency. Essentially, it is the total number of coins or tokens in circulation multiplied by the current price of one coin or token. The resulting value represents the market value of the cryptocurrency and determines its position compared to other cryptocurrencies in the market.
STABLE COIN
A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency that has a fixed value against some stable asset, such as the US dollar, gold or another currency. This attempts to eliminate the high volatility commonly associated with other cryptocurrencies. The stablecoin's stable price allows users to easily store value and conduct transactions without the risk of significant price fluctuations. Most stablecoins operate on the blockchain and use a decentralized infrastructure to ensure transparency and security of transactions. The stablecoin value is usually backed by a reserve in the relevant stablecoin currency or asset, which is held in a central bank or other financial institutions. Stablecoin has become a popular choice for users looking to preserve the value of their cryptocurrencies, and for traders who need a stablecoin to conduct transactions.
CRYPTOCURRENCY HISTORY
The first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created in 2009 by a person or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin was designed as an alternative currency that would allow secure and anonymous payments without central control. Bitcoin has gained tremendous popularity due to its innovative potential and its ability to allow fast and cheap international prices without the need for a bank account. Following the success of Bitcoin, many other cryptocurrencies have emerged, such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Cardano, Dogecoin, and Uniswap.
HARDWARE WALLET
A hardware wallet is a physical device that is used to store cryptocurrencies outside of an internet connection. This reduces the risk of theft or loss of cryptocurrencies due to a hacking attack or other security risks. Hardware wallets are designed to be resistant to physical damage and to provide strong encryption to protect private keys that are required to access stored cryptocurrencies.
In addition, hardware wallets typically support different types of cryptocurrencies and allow users to easily send and receive payments. Hardware wallets are one of the most secure options for storing cryptocurrencies and have become a popular choice for users seeking maximum security for their cryptocurrencies.
Where can we use cryptocurrencies?
1. Payments: cryptocurrencies can be used as an alternative payment method for purchases of goods and services. The advantage is speed and relatively low transaction fees, especially compared to traditional payment methods.
2. Investing: Cryptocurrencies have become a popular form of investment in recent years due to their growth potential and independence from traditional financial markets. However, investing in cryptocurrencies is associated with high risk and requires careful consideration.
3. Platforms and applications: Cryptocurrencies can be used to develop various decentralized platforms and applications such as smart contracts, digital games, and more.
4. Charities and donations: Cryptocurrencies can be used to facilitate donations to charitable projects, especially international projects when transactions in different currencies are complicated.