What is Cardano (ADA)?
Cardano (ADA) is a decentralized blockchain based on
Proof of Stake (PoS), designed for global use by developers. Similar to Ethereum, Cardano uses a Proof of Stake consensus mechanism to reward cryptocurrency for the work done in reviewing and expanding the historical blockchain ledger.
The Cardano blockchain and its project transitioned to its final phase in January 2025, becoming a system for decentralized applications (dApps) with multiple use cases managed by the community. The cryptocurrency of the chain, ADA, is named after Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, an English aristocrat who is often regarded as the first computer programmer.
ADA can also be purchased from most major cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges.
Cardano is a blockchain platform founded by Charles Hoskinson in 2015 and launched in 2017.
Cardano aims to be a decentralized application development platform (dApp) with a multi-asset ledger and verifiable smart contracts.
Cardano uses the Ouroboros consensus protocol for proof of stake, and its native token is ADA.
