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ALL U WANT TO KNOW ABOUT CRYPTOCURRENCY

Cryptocurrency basics

By Safeera SatharPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security and operates independently of a central bank. It is decentralized, meaning that it is not controlled by any government or financial institution.

Here are some things you might want to know about cryptocurrency:

• Cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology: This is a distributed ledger technology that allows for secure and transparent transactions. Each block in the chain contains multiple transactions, and once a block is added to the chain, it cannot be altered.

• Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency: Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been created.

• Cryptocurrencies are traded on exchanges: You can buy and sell cryptocurrencies on cryptocurrency exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken. The price of a cryptocurrency can fluctuate rapidly, so it is important to do your research before investing.

• Cryptocurrencies can be stored in wallets: Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, which can be hardware devices, software programs, or online services. It is important to keep your cryptocurrency wallet secure to prevent theft.

• Cryptocurrencies can be used for transactions: Some merchants accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, and some countries have even started using cryptocurrency as legal tender. However, the use of cryptocurrency for transactions is still limited.

• Cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government: Unlike fiat currencies, which are backed by the government that issues them, cryptocurrencies are not backed by any government. This means that their value is not guaranteed and can be highly volatile.

• Cryptocurrencies have faced regulatory challenges: Some governments have banned or restricted the use of cryptocurrencies, and there have been concerns about their use for illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

• Cryptocurrencies have different uses: Some cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are primarily used as a store of value, while others, such as Ethereum, have more advanced functionality and can be used for smart contracts and decentralized applications.

• Cryptocurrencies can be mined: Some cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, can be mined by solving complex mathematical equations using specialized hardware.

• Cryptocurrencies have a limited supply: Most cryptocurrencies have a limited supply, which means that their value may increase over time as demand increases and supply remains constant.

• Cryptocurrencies are not anonymous: Although transactions are pseudonymous and not tied to a person's real identity, they are recorded on the blockchain, which means that they can be traced.

• Cryptocurrencies can be volatile: The value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, and prices can fluctuate rapidly. This means that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and should be done with caution.

• Cryptocurrencies are global: Cryptocurrencies can be used and traded globally, and they are not tied to any particular country or currency.

• Cryptocurrencies are not insured: Unlike bank deposits, which are insured by the government, cryptocurrencies are not insured, which means that if your cryptocurrency is stolen or lost, there may be no way to recover it.

• Cryptocurrencies are still evolving: Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new technology, and the space is constantly evolving. New cryptocurrencies and applications are being developed, and the regulatory landscape is still developing.

Overall, cryptocurrencies offer a new way of thinking about money and transactions. While they have their benefits, they also come with risks and challenges. As with any investment, it is important to do your research and understand the risks before investing in cryptocurrencies.

While there are many potential benefits to using cryptocurrency, there are also several demerits or drawbacks to consider:

• Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their volatility, with prices fluctuating dramatically over short periods. This makes them a risky investment, as it can be difficult to predict how the market will behave.

• Lack of regulation: Cryptocurrencies are not regulated by governments or financial institutions, which can make them vulnerable to fraud and other types of criminal activity.

• Security risks: Cryptocurrencies are stored in digital wallets, which are vulnerable to hacking and other security breaches. If a wallet is compromised, the owner can lose all of their cryptocurrency holdings.

• Limited acceptance: While the number of merchants accepting cryptocurrency is growing, it is still not as widely accepted as traditional currency. This limits the usefulness of cryptocurrencies for everyday transactions.

• Environmental impact: The mining process used to create new cryptocurrency can be extremely energy-intensive, leading to concerns about its environmental impact.

• Difficulty of use: Cryptocurrencies can be difficult to use for those who are not familiar with the technology. Transactions can be slow and expensive, and there are many technical terms and concepts to understand.

• Lack of recourse: Because cryptocurrencies are not regulated by governments or financial institutions, there is often little recourse for investors who have been defrauded or lost their holdings due to other types of criminal activity.

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About the Creator

Safeera Sathar

With pen in hand and heart on sleeve,

I weave my thoughts,

My words may not be grand or bold,

Hoping my words will make some gain.

So if you find me on this page,

Know that I write to engage.

To touch your heart, to stir your soul,

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