Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency designed to serve as an exchange medium that uses cryptographic functions to perform financial transactions. It can be used to purchase goods and services, like any other currency. Many businesses have issued their currencies, and these can be traded specifically for the good or service provided by the business. Today, cryptocurrencies have become known to most people as a global phenomenon which is used for profitable trading.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the various types of cryptocurrency that you can exchange online.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin was developed as open-source software in 2009 and is one of the most commonly recognized currencies. It’s like digital cash where you can use it to purchase goods and services. Foreign transfers are simple and cheap since bitcoins are not tied to or controlled by any government. Small companies may prefer them because they don’t have credit card fees.
Bitcoin is essentially a data file that is stored on a smartphone or computer in a “digital wallet” device. Users can send bitcoins to your digital wallet, and other users can send bitcoins. Each transaction is documented in a database ledger called the blockchain. You can get bitcoin by buying it using real money, sell things, and pay you with bitcoins, or they can be created using a computer.
Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum is one of the most popular cryptocurrencies released in 2015. It is a global, open-source, decentralized application platform. Ether is a separate cryptocurrency of its own. It’s not only a platform but also a language of programming running on a blockchain, where you can write code that governs digital assets and is available anywhere in the world. And since they are decentralized, no single or central agency regulates them. According to brokers who buy Ethereum Australia, the decentralized platform provides the following benefits:
- Immutability-no data modifications can be made by a third party.
- Corruption & tamper proof – censorship impossible because apps are network formed
- Secure – applications are well protected against hacking attacks and fraudulent activities
- Zero downtime – systems never go down and can not be turned off
Ripple (XRP)
Introduced in 2012, Ripple provides the world’s most advanced blockchain payment technology-making it easy for financial institutions to access a trusted, growing network across its providers. It can transfer money to all corners of the globe and can be sent directly without the need for a central intermediary, making it a handy resource for easily bridging two separate currencies. Ripple is a technology, known primarily for its digital payment network and protocol. Unlike other types of cryptocurrency – it is maybe perhaps best known as a payment settlement, asset exchange, and remittance mechanism that operates much like other money transfers used by banks and financial intermediaries. Though Ripple works a bit more complicated, due to lower processing times and lower transaction charges, its system scores better.
Cryptocurrencies hold the promise to make it easier to transfer funds directly between two parties, without the need for a trusted third party such as a bank or credit card firm. It has generated a paradigm shift in how we look at money-how we look at buying it potentially and investing it potentially. Hopefully, this will help you select your next investment.