Sunny

Written by Sunny

Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

types of cryptocurrency

Bitcoin, the first modern cryptocurrency, was launched in 2009. Since then, Bitcoin demonstrated the viability of blockchain-based digital currencies and drew interest from investors, the tech community, and idealists who embraced the concept of a digital currency that operated without the gates and controls imposed by banks, investment firms, and government regulators.

Thousands of coins and tokens have emerged over the years since Bitcoin’s debut. Today’s crypto world includes a dizzying array of digital assets with varying technical profiles and intended uses.

Table of Contents

The Start of Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin’s creation was to introduce a universal currency for everyday purchases. In fact, the concept was that Bitcoin could eventually replace government-issued fiat currencies worldwide.

That’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Purchases are increasingly being made electronically or with credit and debit cards. On the other hand, paper money is becoming increasingly obsolete. Why not use a currency designed specifically for online transactions? Many such virtual currencies emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. None gained traction until Bitcoin emerged.

Currently, Bitcoin is the most widely-used cryptocurrency to replace or supplement government-issued currency in daily transactions.

different types of cryptocurrency
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Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin is among the most well-known cryptocurrencies, and people regard it as the first cryptocurrency. Satoshi Nakamoto was the author of the whitepaper that established this digital currency. As of now, there is a lot of information that can help you improve your Bitcoin Motion before conducting your transactions and investments.

How does Bitcoin function?

Bitcoin uses blockchain technology to enable users to conduct transparent peer-to-peer transactions. All users see crypto transactions, but the blockchain’s algorithm protects them. While anyone can see the transaction, only the Bitcoin owner can decrypt it using a “private key” given to each owner.

Unlike a bank, Bitcoin has no central authority figure. Instead, Bitcoin users have complete control over the sending and receiving of the currency, allowing anonymous transactions to occur worldwide.

Litecoin (LTC)

The coin emerged in 2011 as a Bitcoin alternative, an open-source and global payment network, like other cryptocurrencies. Similarly, it’s completely decentralized, implying that it has no central authority.

What is the difference between Bitcoin and Litecoin?

  • Litecoin supposedly has faster transaction times.
  • Bitcoin’s production can’t exceed 21 million coins, while Litecoin has a limit of 84 million.
  • They use different algorithms, with Litecoin using “scrypt” and Bitcoin using “SHA-256.

 

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is a cryptocurrency from an open-source platform based on blockchain technology. While tracking digital currency transaction ownership, the Ethereum blockchain also focuses on any decentralized application’s programming code, allowing app developers to use it to pay for transaction fees and services on the Ethereum network.

lightbulb icon Find out more about the difference between Bitcoin VS Ethereum.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

Bitcoin Cash is a digital currency created to enhance certain aspects of Bitcoin. This currency increased its size of blocks, allowing for faster transaction processing.

Ethereum Classic (ETC)

The Ethereum Classic blockchain is the Ethereum blockchain’s fork. It uses a similar decentralized platform to run smart contracts. Smart contracts are programs that operate as they are programmed, with no downtime, censorship, fraud, or third-party interface. It, like Ethereum, offers a value token called “classic ether,” which people can use to pay users for goods or services.

Zcash (ZEC)

Zcash is a digital currency based on the original Bitcoin code. Scientists from MIT, Johns Hopkins, and other prestigious academic and scientific institutions created it, and it runs on a decentralized blockchain. The emphasis on privacy is a crucial feature and differentiator of Zcash. While this is not a feature available to Equity Trust investors, users can send and receive Zcash without disclosing the sender, receiver, or amount transacted.

Conclusion

Currently, the market has many cryptocurrencies, of which this article has not listed the majority. But before investing in any cryptocurrency, research extensively to find out how they work.

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