Cryptocurrency Explained: A Comprehensive Guide With Pros and Cons for Investment

What Is Cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency secured by cryptography and operates on decentralized blockchain technology. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments, such as the U.S. dollar or the euro, cryptocurrencies are not controlled by central banks or financial institutions. Instead, transactions are verified and recorded on a public ledger known as a blockchain, which is maintained by a distributed network of computers. The appeal of cryptocurrencies lies in their decentralized nature, security, and ability to facilitate peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Popular examples of cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and many others. A Brief History of Cryptocurrency The concept of cryptocurrency dates back to the late 20th century, but it was not until the release of Bitcoin that the idea truly gained traction. 2008: Bitcoin’s whitepaper, authored by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto,...