An altcoin is basically any cryptocurrency that came after Bitcoin. Since Bitcoin was the first, everything else — whether it’s Ethereum, Solana, or small new tokens — falls under the category of “alternative coins.” Each altcoin usually tries to bring something new to the table, like faster speed, cheaper fees, or different features.

The main difference between Bitcoin and other coins is their purpose. Bitcoin is seen as digital gold — stable, secure, and mainly used as a store of value. Altcoins are more experimental. Some power smart contracts, some run entire ecosystems, some focus on privacy, and others are designed for niche use cases. Bitcoin stays the foundation, while altcoins are the innovation layer.

For someone new to investing, it’s important to look beyond hype. Check what the project actually does, whether the team is active, how strong the community is, and if the token has real demand. Also look at the market cap, supply, and whether the coin has good liquidity. A little research can help avoid risky or abandoned projects.

Altcoins move so quickly because their prices depend heavily on market sentiment. Most of them have smaller market caps, which means even a small amount of buying or selling can move the price a lot. News, hype, rumors, and trader activity can cause sudden jumps or crashes. They’re high-risk but also high-reward, which is why the volatility is so intense.#Altcoins101