How Bitcoin Works
Bitcoin is a digital asset and a payment system invented by Satoshi Nakamoto. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public dispersed ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin is unique in that there are a finite number of them: 21 million. They can be exchanged for other currencies, products, and services.
Bitcoins are created as a reward for a process known as mining. They can be exchanged for other currencies, products, and services. As of February 2015, over 100,000 merchants and vendors accepted bitcoin as payment.
How Ethereum Works
Ethereum is a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts: applications that run exactly as programmed without any possibility of fraud or third party interference. Ethereum provides a decentralized virtual machine, the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which can execute scripts using an international network of public nodes.
Ethereum was created by Vitalik Buterin, who described it as “a platform that allows for more than just the creation of decentralized applications.” It allows for people to create “decentralized autonomous organizations” (DAOs), which can operate completely autonomously with no human oversight. DAOs are built on the Ethereum platform and use the same smart contract programming model.
How Litecoin Works
Litecoin is a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency and open source software project released under the MIT license. It is developed by Charlie Lee, an early Bitcoin supporter and coding enthusiast. Litecoin aims to be faster, more efficient, and more decentralized than Bitcoin.
Litecoin transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Bitcoin nodes use the block chain to differentiate legitimate Bitcoin transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere.
Litecoin uses the Scrypt hashing algorithm, which is different from Bitcoin’s SHA-256. This difference makes Litecoin more decentralized since it is not subject to the possibility of a 51% attack.
Litecoin is also more experimental than Bitcoin. For example, Litecoin allows for more transactions per second than Bitcoin.
How Monero Works
Monero is a decentralized, secure, and private cryptocurrency that uses the blockchain technology. It was created in April 2014 and uses the CryptoNote protocol. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public ledger.
Users can send and receive Monero using a digital wallet. Transactions are untraceable and private, meaning that funds cannot be seized by governments. Monero is not subject to inflation and has a finite supply of 21 million coins.
How Dash Works
Dash is a digital cash system that uses blockchain technology to create an open, decentralized network. Transactions are confirmed by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public ledger. Dash allows for instant transactions with no fees.
How Zcash Works
Zcash is a cryptocurrency that uses cryptography to secure its transactions and to control the creation of new units. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain.
Zcash is unique in that it uses a process called “zero-knowledge Proofs” to allow users to verify transactions without revealing their identities. This allows for more privacy and security for users.
How Dogecoin Works
Dogecoin is a digital currency that works on a peer-to-peer network. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain. Dogecoin is unique in that it uses a Shiba Inu dog as its logo.