#cryptocurrency (often called crypto) is a form of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional money issued by governments, cryptocurrencies are usually decentralized and operate on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger maintained by a network of computers (nodes).
The first and most well-known cryptocurrency is $BTC introduced in 2009. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have emerged, such as $ETH , Litecoin, and Solana, each with different features and use cases. For example, Ethereum enables smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements written in code.
Cryptocurrencies offer several advantages, including faster cross-border transactions, lower transaction fees in some cases, transparency, and financial access without relying on banks. However, they also have drawbacks, such as high price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, security risks (like hacking and scams), and environmental concerns related to energy-intensive mining.
