Bitcoin (BTC)
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Technology: Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, operating on a decentralized network using blockchain technology with a proof-of-work consensus mechanism.
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Use Case: Originally created as a digital alternative to traditional currencies for peer-to-peer transactions, it is also used as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.
Ethereum (ETH)
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Technology: A decentralized platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications without downtime, fraud, control, or interference, using a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
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Use Case: Used for decentralized finance, non-fungible tokens, enterprise blockchain solutions, ICOs, and creating ERC-20 tokens.
Solana (SOL)
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Technology: A high-performance blockchain known for fast transaction speeds and low fees, using a consensus mechanism called Proof of History.
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Use Case: Used for decentralized applications, especially in DeFi and NFT spaces, due to high throughput and low transaction costs.
XRP (Ripple)
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Technology: The native cryptocurrency of the Ripple network, designed to facilitate fast, inexpensive, and scalable cross-border payments.
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Use Case: Primarily used for cross-border payments and remittances.
Cardano (ADA)
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Technology: A blockchain platform using a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros.
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Use Case: Used for creating secure and scalable decentralized applications and smart contracts, focusing on sustainability and interoperability.
Avalanche (AVAX)
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Technology: A layer one blockchain that serves as a platform for decentralized applications and custom blockchain networks, known for high throughput and quick finality.
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Use Case: Used for DeFi applications and other decentralized applications requiring fast transaction processing.
Dogecoin (DOGE)
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Technology: A cryptocurrency created as a joke, based on the Litecoin protocol, using a proof-of-work consensus mechanism.
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Use Case: Used as a tipping system on social media and for charitable donations and microtransactions.
Chainlink (LINK)
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Technology: A decentralized oracle network that provides real-world data to smart contracts on the blockchain, designed to be blockchain agnostic.
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Use Case: Used to securely and reliably feed external data into smart contracts.
Polkadot (DOT)
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Technology: A sharded multichain network that enables cross-blockchain transfers of data or assets, allowing multiple blockchains to operate together.
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Use Case: Used for interoperability among different blockchains and for building new blockchains connected to the Polkadot network.
Polygon (MATIC)
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Technology: A protocol and framework for building and connecting Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks, supporting a multi-chain Ethereum ecosystem.
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Use Case: Used to scale Ethereum applications by providing faster and cheaper transactions and for building Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks.
Uniswap (UNI)
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Technology: A decentralized trading protocol facilitating automated trading of DeFi tokens.
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Use Case: Used as a decentralized exchange that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without a central authority and for liquidity provision and yield farming.
SHIBA INU (SHIB)
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Technology: An Ethereum-based altcoin with the Shiba Inu dog as its mascot, considered an alternative to Dogecoin.
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Use Case: Primarily used for community building and participation in a meme-based ecosystem and as a speculative asset.
Internet Computer (ICP)
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Technology: A blockchain network aiming to expand internet functionality by enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications to run at web speed directly on the internet.
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Use Case: Used to create scalable dApps, enterprise IT systems, and websites without traditional web servers or cloud services.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
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Technology: A cryptocurrency created from a hard fork of Bitcoin, designed to have faster transaction times and lower fees.
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Use Case: Used as a payment system with faster transaction processing times and lower fees for everyday transactions.
Litecoin (LTC)
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Technology: A peer-to-peer cryptocurrency based on the Bitcoin protocol but with differences in hashing algorithm, hard cap, and block transaction times.
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Use Case: Used as a digital currency for peer-to-peer transactions and transferring funds between individuals or businesses.
Cosmos (ATOM)
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Technology: A decentralized network of independent parallel blockchains powered by BFT consensus algorithms like Tendermint consensus.
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Use Case: Used for interoperability between different blockchains and for building scalable and interoperable blockchain applications.
Ethereum Classic (ETC)
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Technology: A continuation of the original Ethereum blockchain following a hard fork after the DAO hack, maintaining the original Ethereum code.
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Use Case: Used for running smart contracts and decentralized applications, appealing to users who support the original Ethereum philosophy.
Filecoin (FIL)
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Technology: A decentralized storage system aiming to “store humanity’s most important information.” It uses a network of independent storage providers to offer storage and retrieval services.
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Use Case: Used for decentralized data storage and for retrieving and distributing data without relying on centralized cloud storage providers.
Stellar (XLM)
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Technology: An open network for moving and storing money, designed to connect financial institutions and reduce the cost and time for cross-border transfers.
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Use Case: Used for fast and low-cost cross-border transactions and for issuing and exchanging digital representations of money.
Aptos (APT)
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Technology: A new blockchain platform focusing on delivering safe and scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications, developed by former Meta employees.
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Use Case: Used for building decentralized applications with a focus on security, usability, and scalability.