01. WHAT IT IS

The new paradigm for money

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Essentially, cryptocurrency can be defined as a peer-to-peer, decentralized digital currency that allows users to transact directly without the need for a middleman or financial institution. There are many different types of cryptocurrencies. The most well-known cryptocurrency is Bitcoin. Other types of cryptocurrencies include Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Zcash just to name a few.

Instead of carrying cash or cards around for exchange, cryptocurrency payments exist purely as digital entries to an online database describing specific transactions. It is stored in digital wallets. Every cryptocurrency transaction is recorded in a public ledger. Advanced coding, particularly encryption, is often involved in storing and transmitting cryptocurrency data between wallets and to public ledgers. This is where cryptocurrency got its name from.

There was a surge of interest in cryptocurrencies between 2013 and 2016 due to a number of reasons, including the financial crisis, political uncertainty, and an increased interest in new technology. Since the creation of bitcoin in 2009, there have been over 2000 different types of cryptocurrencies created. Much of the interest in crypto is to trade for profit with speculators at times driving prices skyward.

02. HOW IT WORKS

When minimal control equals more security

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The reason cryptocurrency is so powerful is that it’s based on something called a blockchain. This is a decentralized digital ledger that records every single transaction that happens. Blockchain is a bit like a massive accounting book that keeps track of every transaction that has ever been made on the blockchain. What makes it better is that it is stored on thousands of computers all around the world that are connected to the internet.

What makes cryptocurrency so appealing is that one of its key features is that it’s decentralized. There’s no one central location where the system is controlled – and no one person or entity can control it. Instead, the blockchain technology is an open source – meaning anyone can view the system and add to it. And because it’s online and encrypted, it can’t be hacked as easily as traditional banks.

The idea of being able to store your money in a digital wallet and send it to other people without needing a bank to verify the transaction is extremely alluring. As a result, applications of blockchain technology are still emerging in financial terms, and more uses are expected in the future.

03. ITS FUTURE

Is it just a fad?

With an increased popularity and uses, where is this new technology heading to? Around the world, news reports indicate that more and more people are looking to buy into this new asset class. In fact, many believe cryptocurrencies will one day become a mainstream investment choice. However it is difficult to predict whether cryptocurrencies will become a mainstream investment choice. Since it remains outside of the regulatory purview of many governments, it is unclear whether or not regulators will choose to embrace cryptocurrencies or if they will attempt to dismantle the industry.

There are a number of factors that can affect the survival rate of cryptocurrencies. The main things to consider are their demand and supply. Demand can be affected by a number of things such as the coin’s usefulness and how easily people can access and trade the coin. On the other hand, if the supply is set to increase, it could negatively affect the coin’s value.

All in all, there are a few things to keep in mind with respect to the future of Bitcoin. First, its network is being used more than ever before, which could serve as a short-term boost to its value. Next, its lightning network is growing in popularity and should help boost the coin’s value in the long run. Finally, Bitcoin is truly decentralized, which means that it cannot be shut down, which makes it useful in the event of a disaster. Although the future is difficult to predict, cryptocurrencies will continue to change the way we think about money.

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