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Crypto
What is hyperbitcoinisation ?

Let's explore the concept of hyperbitcoinisation and what is contributing to its progress in the financial industry.

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Coined in 2014, hyperbitcoinisation is the voluntary transition from an inferior currency to a superior one, referring to Bitcoin becoming the primary currency in an area. As was the case with El Salvador integrating Bitcoin into its financial service sector in 2021, the world is slowly progressing to a more inclusive space for cryptocurrencies, inching closer to the prospect of hyperbitcoinisation.

In this article, we explore this concept and what is contributing to its progress in the financial industry.

What is hyperbitcoinisation?

There are three core ideas behind the definition of hyperbitcoinisation. The first relates to a gradual transition from an inferior currency to a superior one, while the second alludes to a tipping point where fiat currencies are no longer sustainable and are abandoned for the use of cryptocurrencies. The final definition sees hyperbitcoinisation as the swift and irreversible adoption of Bitcoin as the world's primary monetary reserve. 

In conclusion, hyperbitcoinisation is Bitcoin-induced currency demonetization, it's intended not to disrupt the traditional currency markets, but rather to be used alongside them. It's the language of the Bitcoin maximalist, one who sees Bitcoin as the answer to everything (unit of account, store of value and medium of exchange). 

Hyperbitcoinisation would require the price to stabilize, providing a more stable economy for transactions to take place. It would also require stronger regulation in the space to ensure the protection of the people using it. While the decentralized nature of Bitcoin is often a drawing point for investors, it will require an element of regulation in order to become a legal tender and considered to be sound money.

The positive factors pointing toward hyperbitcoinization

In order for hyperbitcoinisation to take effect a number of things need to occur. For starters, Bitcoin would need to be adopted by a strong network of institutions, main street businesses, merchants, public and private companies, ETFs, central banks, governments and regular investors. 

From an operating perspective, the nodes on the Bitcoin network would need to increase substantially. Currently, there are roughly 14,000 nodes around the world with the main clusters in Germany, France, the United States, and the Netherlands. In order for hyperbitcoinisation to take full effect, the network would need to expand in both product numbers and globalisation. 

There are currently an estimated 400,000 daily Bitcoin users and over 100 million people holding Bitcoin. While these numbers are impressive, they represent only a small fraction of the world's population. As Bitcoin gradually moves through from the Early Adopters to Early Majority stages in the technology adoption scale, in order for hyperbitcoinisation to take full effect we would need to have transitioned to the Late Majority and Laggards segments. This would indicate that societal adoption has peaked and stabilised. 

On the note of societal adoption, it is estimated that collectively around the world countries hold over 250,000 BTC, while public and private companies own 414,000 BTC, and ETFs over 800,000 BTC. This indicates that Bitcoin adoption is creeping into government and company holdings as well as traditional investment vehicles. 

While there is much to be achieved, these factors all clearly indicate that the ball is in motion. 

The negative factors contributing to hyperbitcoinization

The flip side of the coin shows which negative factors contribute to hyperbitcoinisation, namely central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and inflation. 

CBDCs provide a strong current in the flow toward global crypto adoption. While CBDCs are not decentralized or true to the origins of cryptocurrencies, they operate in the same way and will drive populations to become familiar with digital versions of cash. 

As more people become used to the concept, it is likely that they will incorporate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into their daily habits as these, at their core, are more similar to cash than the CBDC alternative. They are also less monitored and offer a greater opportunity for financial freedom. 

Inflation on the other hand has already played a large role in the adoption of cryptocurrencies. Following the inflation-inducing stimulus implemented by governments during the Covid-19 pandemic, many investors and businesses turned to Bitcoin to protect their capital. By the end of 2021, countries around the world were experiencing the highest inflation rates in decades. 

As people lose faith in their fiat currencies and turn to cryptocurrencies, as witnessed by the incredible gains seen across the entire crypto market, this only fuels the road to hyperbitcoinisation. 

In Conclusion

the implementation of monetary and economic transitions is a time-consuming process that requires several years. While it is uncertain whether hyperbitcoinisation will occur in our lifetime, recent developments suggest that progress is being made. However, numerous factors must align before it becomes a remote possibility. The groundwork laid so far indicates that we are moving in the right direction.

Economics
What is fiat currency?

Explore the world of currencies with our guide to fiat currency. Discover what it is, how it differs from digital currency, and its role in the global economy.

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What is a fiat currency?

Since Bitcoin came into existence in 2009, the use of the term fiat currency has significantly increased. But what is a fiat currency? In this article, we take a look at the origins of the term and why it's called fiat currency, how it functions, some examples of fiat, and what threat crypto has posed to it. Let’s dive in. 

What is fiat money?

Fiat money is money declared as legal tender by the government and acts as a nation's currency. The term "fiat" is a Latin word and loosely translates to "by decree" which is an authoritative order with the force of law. The government declares fiat money legal tender by decree. 

Fiat money acts as a national currency and is printed by the government. Citizens can use it for payments of goods and services, facilitating trade in the area. 

In 2020, all currency traded internationally was officially declared as fiat money. This means that the value of fiat money isn't linked to anything physical like gold or silver but rather to the faith and credit of that government. All fiat currencies are operated by a central authority, in most cases central banks, that carry out a nation's monetary policy and are responsible for controlling its money supply.

Until 1971, foreign currencies were fixed in value relative to the US dollar whose worth was based on an amount set by Congress expressed in terms of gold ounces. That year President Richard Nixon did away with that system completely in what was called  "the Nixon shock." 

Fiat currency vs fiat money

Fiat currency and fiat money essentially refer to the same thing. Both represent the government-issued currency used in a country or region. There are around 180 different types of fiat currencies in use globally. Examples of fiat include the United States dollar, Canadian dollar, Euro, and British pound sterling, or Japanese yen. 

The value of one fiat currency in relation to another is referred to as the exchange rate.

Fiat money vs commodity money

Fiat money is essentially the opposite of commodity money. The major difference between the two stems from their intrinsic value. In general, a commodity currency has an intrinsic value that comes from what it is made of, a physical commodity such as gold or silver coins.

Fiat currency does not have any intrinsic value and only exists because a country's government or country's central bank says it can be exchanged for other goods with equal value.

How did fiat currencies come into existence?

All money is a certificate of debt. In the past, if someone needed to be paid back for something at a later date, they would receive an IOU that said how much was owed to them and when it could be collected. 

Bartering system

For example, let's say a farmer traded 2kg of flour today for ten pumpkins come harvest time. 

To keep track of this arrangement and to avoid forgetting or getting confused about what was owed, the person providing the flour would be given a piece of paper indicating that it could be exchanged for pumpkins after harvest. This piece of paper effectively becomes worth ten pumpkins and could be used to trade for milk, bread, or any other goods. 

The bartering system only allowed trade to happen when each person had what the other one desired. To make it more efficient, people started using something that everyone wanted as a basis for trading, a physical commodity. For a long time, rocks that shine (gold) served that purpose.

Gold to coins

However, weighing gold for each transaction was complicated, so governments started to create identical gold coins made from a specific amount of gold. They put raised lines around the edge of every coin as proof that no one shaved off any bits of gold, making trade easier since everyone knew how much each currency was worth.

Introduction of banks

However, gold is heavy to carry and became dangerous to keep on oneself at all times, so people started storing their gold in bank vaults. Bankers would provide a certificate as proof that each person owned a certain amount of gold, which could later be redeemed at the central banks for gold. This shifted the legal tender from gold to a piece of paper. 

Gold to paper money

As the government was typically the largest holder of gold, it began printing its own paper currency that people could use to trade for gold at the national treasury, representing the origins of the gold standard. However, people stopped going to redeem the paper for gold and instead just used the paper itself. 

Supply/demand logistics

At this stage, a currency's value was still tied to the value of gold, which had some problems in itself. Firstly, if a new source of gold emerged or another country suddenly released a significant amount of gold, the currency's value would drop. Secondly, anyone could manipulate the price of gold thereby throwing the currency's value. 

Fiat money emerges

Hence, the gold standard was dropped in the 1930s. Instead, the currency became worth the amount printed on the piece of paper instead of the gold it represented. IOUs once again became the official source of money and held value "by decree" instead of based on an underlying asset. 

Is fiat money still relevant today?

Since the advent of cryptocurrencies (digital currencies not managed by a central authority or government), the way we think about money has changed significantly. While mainstream adoption of these digital currencies continues to grow (several countries have declared Bitcoin as a legal tender) the use of fiat money isn't going anywhere. 

Fiat currencies still hold a significant place in the global economy and will continue to do so for a long, long time. And while some grow skeptical of governments' power to mint new fiat money or the central banking system in general, it's unlikely that fiat currencies are going anywhere. 

CBDCs

One new development that is gaining popularity is the CBDC, merging the worlds of fiat currency with digital currencies. The Central Bank Digital Currency is maintained and operated by central banks, uses blockchain technology to operate, is pegged to the value of the local fiat currency, and works in parallel to the national currency. Eradicating price volatility, the CBDC uses a more secure means of distributing and facilitating the movement of fiat currency. 

While cryptocurrencies are unlikely to replace fiat currencies anytime soon, it's worth noting how significantly the concept of money has changed over the last century and considering how things could change in the future for fiat currency as we know it.

Crypto
‍What is Etherscan and what does it do ?

Discover the ultimate tool for exploring the Ethereum blockchain! Learn about Etherscan's features and how it can benefit you.

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Etherscan is a free and widely used blockchain explorer that allows anyone to see any transactions made on the Ethereum platform. Not just transactions, blocks, gas fees, wallet addresses, smart contracts, and other on-chain data can be found on the page. Learn more about what Etherscan is and how it works below.

What is Etherscan?

As mentioned above, Etherscan is an Ethereum-based blockchain explorer. Aside from offering a peek into the advantages of blockchain technologies, Etherscan also provides an insightful look at the status of transactions, gas fees, smart contracts and dapp content. Etherscan is the tool that leverages blockchain's transparent nature.

Acting as a search engine and source of blockchain information, one doesn't need an account to access anything. However, users can create an account in order to access extra functionalities associated with their Ethereum portfolio, such as developer tools, enabling notifications for incoming transactions, and creating data feeds. Whether you're investing in a dapp, monitoring a wallet, or depositing funds to a blockchain-based game, all activity can be tracked through this browser-based service.

Why is Etherscan popular?

Etherscan is the most widely used Ethereum blockchain explorer and is highly regarded in the industry due to its seamless experience. While it won't allow you to store or trade ETH, it offers a reliable look into the functioning of the network, blockchain analytics and all Ethereum and Ethereum-based token activity.

Using Etherscan also provides a better understanding of how the blockchain works, providing insights into its operations and potential ability to spot suspicious blockchain activity (like project leaders selling their tokens, or large whale movements that will affect the token's price). 

How to use Etherscan

Whether you're wanting to look up a transaction or verify the validity of a smart contract, you can use Etherscan. Below we will guide you through how to look up a transaction.

How To Find A Transaction On Etherscan

Understanding how to track your transactions can be a powerful tool in the world of cryptocurrency, from seeing how many confirmations it has gone through to the amount of gas fees paid. 

Each transaction on the blockchain is given a transaction ID (TXID) or transaction hash which identifies the specific transaction (similar to a person's identity number). It looks something like this: 

0x3349ea4144aed83291f87b3904b02f8f1e76c3b5bfed0d95a000fafddaed01bc

In order to get the real-time updates on a transaction, you will need to enter this TXID into the space provided on the Etherscan website. 

It will then display all the information pertaining to this transaction, as below:

See our breakdown of the terminology below.

 

Etherscan terminology

Transaction Hash: the TXID associated with your particular transaction.

Status: status of your transaction (in progress, failed, successful) 

Block: the number of the block that your transaction was included in (block confirmations indicate the number of blocks that have followed since then). 

Timestamp: the date and time that this transaction was executed.

From: the wallet address that the transaction was sent from

To: the wallet address or smart contract receiving the transaction.

Value: the value of the transaction.

Transaction Fee: the gas fees or transaction fees paid.

Gas Price: the cost per unit of gas at the time of the transaction execution (displayed in Ether and Gwei).

 

How to Find gas prices on Etherscan

When using the Ethereum network you will be required to pay gas fees in order to conduct any activity. Gas fees are assigned to blocks and fluctuate depending on how busy the network is at the time. 

Etherscan provides a Gas Tracker which observes the current gas prices and indicates how busy the network is at the time. 

In conclusion

Etherscan is a great tool for anyone using Ethereum or any other cryptocurrencies relating to its ecosystem. From confirming transactions to checking gas prices, this tool provides a great oversight of the network, highlighting the transparent benefits of using digital assets.

Crypto
What is Dogecoin?

Unpacking the history, features, and community behind the meme-inspired cryptocurrency.

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What started off as a joke has become an international phenomenon with a market cap that ranks it among the top 10 cryptocurrencies (not to mention price gains). As we explore what Dogecoin is, let's take a look at where the digital cash network came from, why the cryptocurrency became such a sensation and how it compares to Bitcoin.

Leading the way in the meme-based movement, Dogecoin has become the most unlikely of leaders in its field as it trades at a very attractive price. Everyone from investors to run-of-the-mill Internet users has followed the hype and plunged in this meme-inspired altcoin.

Did you know that Dogecoin has more DOGE in circulation than Ethereum and Litecoin combined? Let's dive in to understand the true value behind this Internet meme-inspired cryptocurrency

Who created Dogecoin?

Dogecoin was created as a joke cryptocurrency in 2013 and is based on a Shiba Inu dog meme circulating at the time. Two developers, Billy Marcus and Jackson Palmer got together to create the cryptocurrency to poke fun at Bitcoin, which turned out to be a lot more than that almost a decade later.

What is Dogecoin?

Dogecoin is a peer to peer payment system with its native cryptocurrency, DOGE, acting as the medium of exchange. The cryptocurrency was created in December 2013 through a hard fork off of the Litecoin network. The cryptocurrency has no limit on the maximum amount of coins and currently has over 131 billion DOGE in circulation.

While a popular option as a digital cash payment method, the cryptocurrency is most commonly used as a tipping system to reward quality content on social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Working in a similar way as cash would in a financial transaction.

What's triggered Dogecoin's surge?

The self-proclaimed "Dogefather" and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has contributed to Dogecoin's recent success with his tweets about the cryptocurrency making news headlines around the planet. His tweets have had a significant effect on the cryptocurrency's price as published on the CoinMarketCap website.

With a similar mining style to Litecoin, Dogecoin is a popular option when it comes to trading cryptocurrencies.

How does Dogecoin work?

Using blockchain technology, Dogecoin facilitates digital transactions in a transparent and mutable way. Hard forked off of the Litecoin network, Dogecoin uses the same Scrypt technology in the Proof-of-Work protocol. Unlike Litecoin, however, the cryptocurrency can execute transactions in 1 minute.

Users simply need to create a wallet in order to store DOGE, from where they can either send and receive the cryptocurrency or simply store it. DOGE works similarly to other cryptocurrencies in this regard.

In the last year, investors have seen high gains as the celebrity-endorsed hype surrounding the cryptocurrency increased its value. As interest grew in the Shiba-meme token, so too did its market cap, pushing Litecoin out of the top 10 biggest cryptocurrencies and edging closer to Ethereum (currently in second place).

The Dogecoin foundation

In 2014 members of the Dogecoin team created a not-for-profit foundation to oversee project development and direction. This dissipated over the years and was recently relaunched in 2021 with several key new members and an inflated market capitalisation.

While co-founder Billy Markus and Dogecoin's core developer Max Keller remain on the board, two new additions have been made with the likes of Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin as well as Jared Birchall, the manager of Elon Musk's family office. 

The team meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues relating to the virtual currency, with each member taking responsibility for various aspects. Markus is responsible for overseeing the community and memes while Keller will function as the cryptocurrency technical advisor.

Buterin will serve as the blockchain and crypto advisor and Birchall as the financial and legal advisor (representing Elon Musk).

Dogecoin's following

From its initial launch, Dogecoin has had a spirited and loyal following. In its early days, the community raised funds for high profile events, like sponsoring a NASCAR driver and sending the Jamaican bobsleigh team to the 2014 Olympics.

To date, a number of high profile celebrities have put their name behind the coin, most notably Elon Musk and billionaire Mark Cuban. Musk was responsible for several waves in the crypto market in 2021, causing substantial boosts and dips in the capitalisation of the market. Most notably in May, after a tweet from Musk stating only "How much is that Doge in the window?" The DOGE price increased by 11% in mere hours. 

While Dogecoin was not created to be a store of value, the Dogecoin price increases certainly brought about tons of media attention and healthy returns for investors.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is also a huge fan, celebrating the cryptocurrency for being "the one" when it comes to a digital medium of exchange. In 2021, the NBA team started accepting Dogecoin as a payment option for merchandise and ticket sales, incorporating blockchain into the main league.

What is the difference between Dogecoin and Bitcoin?

While both cryptocurrencies are designed to provide a medium of exchange, they differ in a number of ways. For starters, they both use the same Proof-of-Work mining concept which is based on miners solving complex mathematical problems in order to mine new blocks and control the supply.

Different from each other, the Dogecoin network can process transactions 10x faster than Bitcoin (1 minute vs 10 minutes for BTC). They also have varying inflationary statuses, with Bitcoin being deflationary in nature due to its 21 million coin cap while Dogecoin is highly inflationary as it has an unlimited supply. 

While Bitcoin can be held as a store of value, Dogecoin is less supported in this area due to its lack of maximum supply and the fact that millions of DOGE are entering circulation each day. DOGE however, is better suited to being a medium of exchange.

While Bitcoin has a strong following around the world, there is a significant Twitter and Reddit community punting the coin and encouraging traders to buy the cryptocurrency. From internet meme to international top 10 traded cryptocurrency, Dogecoin has an impressive history when it comes to market value.

How can i get Dogecoin?

If you're considering including Dogecoin (DOGE) in your cryptocurrency portfolio, look no further than the Tap app. With the Tap app, you can conveniently buys, sell or manage and trade a diverse range of digital assets, including DOGE. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the world of cryptocurrencies, our user-friendly interface and intuitive features make it seamless for anyone to navigate and engage with DOGE.

Crypto
What is Enjin (ENJ)?

Let's take a dive into what is Enjin and its token ENJ.

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Playing an important role in the adoption of Web3, Enjin provides a platform of software products designed to allow anyone to harness the power of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) through the development, trade, monetization, and marketing of blockchain assets. 

What is the Enjin platform?

The Enjin platform is an ecosystem of interconnected, blockchain-based gaming products designed for individuals, game developers and businesses to create, manage and trade virtual goods such as digital art, games, or virtual marketplaces using the Ethereum blockchain. Enjin aims to provide users with the tools to implement smart digital solutions for blockchain games within the gaming environment.

Through the platform's software development kits (SDKs) and APIs, users can build digital assets as well as seamlessly integrate them into their games and applications. 

Under the Enjin umbrella is the Enjin Network, a community gaming platform that allows users to create websites, chat, and host virtual stores. Over the course of a decade, the Enjin platform has accumulated over 20 million users.

Powering the ecosystem is the Enjin Coin (ENJ), a token used to back the value of NFTs and other assets minted on the platform. When an asset is minted it locks ENJ tokens into a smart contract and effectively removes the tokens from circulation.

It’s also worth noting that Witek Radomski, Enjin's co-founder and the brainchild behind the ERC-1155 Ethereum token standard, wrote the code for the first non-fungible token (NFT). By utilizing its cutting-edge technology, Enjin is revolutionizing the future of gaming and digital assets.

Who created Enjin?

Enjin was originally founded in 2009 as a gaming community platform by Maxim Blagov and Witek Radomski. Blagov took on the responsibility of being CEO and in charge of the platform's creative direction while Radomski took on the role of CTO, leading the technical development of the platform's products.

Following Radomski's interest in Bitcoin in 2012, the platform explored incorporating blockchain technology into its business model and embraced the world of tokenized digital assets.

Radomski went on to write the ERC-1155 token standard in June 2018, a token standard used for minting both fungible, semi-fungible and non-fungible tokens using the Ethereum network. This token standard is a critical building block in the platform’s design.

In 2017, the Enjin platform launched an initial coin offering (ICO), raising $18.9 million through ENJ token sales. A year later the project went live and in September 2019, the Enjin Marketplace was launched.

How does Enjin work?

The primary goal of the Enjin network is to facilitate the management and storage of virtual goods for games, anything from in-game currencies to unique in-game items. So, how does Enjin work? The process of creating and destroying these tokens involves five steps, as outlined below. 

  • Purchase
    Developers purchase Enjin Coin. 
  • Minting
    In-game items are designed and effectively minted with the appropriate amount of ENJ locked into a smart contract.
  • Utilization
    Players use these tokens within the game.
  • Trading
    Players trade the tokens between fellow players or on the internal or external marketplace.
  • Melting
    Players sell the tokens for Enjin Coin, referred to as melting. The token is destroyed and Enjin Coin is released from the smart contract.

SDKs (software development kits) come into play here, with kits designed to fulfill certain functions, such as facilitating a payment platform or being wallet-focused. These kits are designed to minimize costs and simplify the process of creating these virtual goods. APIs (application programming interfaces) work alongside the SDKs to integrate these virtual goods (digital assets) into the game.

The Enjin platform utilizes JumpNet which is integrated with other products in the ecosystem, such as the Marketplace, Enjin Beam, and the Enjin Wallet to allow for gas-free transactions for ENJ and NFTs.

The Enjin ecosystem encompasses the Enjin smart wallet that allows players to store and trade their in-game items with ease. The Enjin wallet is designed to connect all the features, from managing inventory to conducting transactions and selling these tokenized digital assets for ENJ. 

What is the Enjin Coin (ENJ)?

Enjin Coin (ENJ) is the native token of the Enjin ecosystem. Built on the Ethereum blockchain and compatible with multiple gaming platforms, the Enjin Coin is an ERC-20 token that allows the in-game items created on the platform to be traded with real-world value. The ENJ token has a maximum supply of 1 billion coins.

The token also allows developers to mint these digital goods. The process requires the users to lock Enjin Coin (ENJ) into a smart contract that automatically assigns value to the in-game item. Players that later use these items can use them in the game, trade them or sell them for ENJ, equivalent to the original minting cost. Once sold, the item is destroyed (known as melting) and the ENJ that was locked in the smart contract is released to the seller.

How can I buy Enjin Coin?

Anyone can tap into the Enjin ecosystem by acquiring ENJ tokens through the Tap mobile app. Simply create an account and complete the verification process in order to gain access to your unique Enjin wallet, from where you can buy, trade and sell Enjin Coin. 

Tap provides a secure and convenient means of managing your funds, allowing users to manage and store cryptocurrencies.

Take advantage of the power of Enjin Coin on the Tap app - the ultimate platform to buy, sell or hold ENJ. With seamless integration and an intuitive interface, trading Enjin tokens becomes a breeze. Stay up-to-date with the latest market trends and keep your portfolio on track by monitoring the Enjin Coin price in real-time. 

Crypto
What is Ethereum (ETH) ?

Exploring the blockchain platform that's revolutionizing the world of decentralized applications and smart contracts. Discover the features and potential of this groundbreaking cryptocurrency.

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You've likely heard about this powerhouse cryptocurrency, but do you know what it really is? In this article, we're exploring what Ethereum is and what use case it provides to the blockchain industry. Spoiler alert: a big one. As the second biggest cryptocurrency and currently holding around 20% of the market share, now is an excellent time to learn about Ethereum.

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum is a blockchain platform that allows developers to create their own decentralized applications (dapps) and smart contracts. With the intention to build the blockchain industry, Ethereum provides a platform for anyone from any sector to incorporate blockchain into their business and harness the power of decentralized technology.

Smart contracts are digital agreements that automatically execute when the predetermined criteria have been met.

Using a decentralized network of computers to maintain and operate the network, much like Bitcoin, Ethereum is a computing platform. The network also allows for the digital transaction of value/money, as well as facilitating the creation of new cryptocurrencies.

What is ETH?

ETH, also known as Ether, is the digital currency that fuels the Ethereum network. Ethereum refers to the platform as a whole while ETH is the money that fuels it. When someone refers to the Ethereum price, they are actually referring to the price of ETH.

How does Ethereum work?

Ethereum is a dynamic, open-source software platform made up of several strong components. At its core is the Ethereum blockchain, which acts as the foundation for storing and recording transaction and smart contract data in blocks.

The network recently transitioned from a Proof-of-Work consensus to a more energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake model which changed the way that Ethereum works. While it remains a decentralized network with ETH as the native currency, the way in which the network is operated changed significantly. This change improved the network's overall energy consumption and sets the stage for future scalability and service enhancements.

With the PoS model, the network relies on validators (instead of miners) to confirm and execute transactions, with each validator needing to stake a certain amount of ETH in the network in order to participate. Staking involves locking ETH in the network, and acts as financial surety that validators will act with their best intentions.

The Ethereum network is powered by a distributed network of nodes that store transaction history and verify new data. These nodes run the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM), which executes and enforces smart contracts written in languages like Solidity and Vyper. With its versatile EVM, Ethereum can perform a wide range of tasks using its opcode-based bytecode.

Another feature of the platform is that it provides various token standards, for example, the ERC-20 and ERC-721, which define rules for creating and interacting with tokens. ERC-20 is for fungible tokens like cryptocurrencies, while ERC-721 is for unique non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These standards ensure compatibility with various networks and enable exciting possibilities for decentralized applications and digital assets built on Ethereum, particularly within the decentralized finance sector.

What gives Ethereum its market value?

Ethereum is currently the largest platform on which dapps and smart contracts can be created, and the most widely used. With strong leadership and an impressive community of developers behind the project, Ethereum has gained a reputation for being reliable, breeding innovation, and a positive force within the blockchain industry.

In terms of ETH, the cryptocurrency gains value through supply and demand. A small portion of ETH is also used to pay "gas fees" which allow any transactions on the network to take place. Any dapp created using the Ethereum platform is also required to pay these gas fees, making it widely used.

How is Ethereum different from Bitcoin?

When comparing the first and second biggest cryptocurrencies one must first understand that the two networks provide two different functions. While they can both be used as a medium of exchange, facilitating BTC and ETH transactions around the world in minutes, their primary use cases differ substantially.

Bitcoin was designed to provide a digital payment system that is free from any centralized control. The network offers peer-to-peer payments as well as a strong store of value, as the Bitcoin price has proven over the last several years.

Ethereum, on the other hand, was created to provide a computing platform on which people could create new decentralized applications on top of blockchain technology. The platform's intentions are to build the blockchain industry, allowing anyone interested to take part.

What is Ethereum used for?

Ethereum is most prominently used for the creation of dapps and smart contracts, however, users can also transfer value through the platform (ETH acting as a digital currency). ETH has also proved to be a valuable store of value, with many participants buying the token anticipating returns over a period of time.

Who founded Ethereum?

The idea of Ethereum was initially fleshed out in 2013 by a young crypto enthusiast, founder Vitalik Buterin, in a blog post. In 2013, he joined forces with several developers and entrepreneurs and started building the decentralized platform.

According to one of the founders, the initial founders of the decentralized platform were Vitalik Buterin, Anthony Di Iorio, Charles Hoskinson, Mihai Alisie, and Amir Chetrit in December 2013. Joseph Lubin, Gavin Wood, and Jeffrey Wilcke joined in early 2014.

In 2014 a successful crowd sale was launched, selling 72 million ETH and raising around $18 million (at the time). The platform officially launched on 30 July 2015.

How do you buy Ethereum?

If you'd like to become involved in the Ethereum platform and own the digital asset that fuels the network, you will need to purchase ETH through a trusted crypto exchange platform and set up an Ethereum wallet. The Tap app offers a secure and convenient solution for this, providing users with several convenient payment options as well as an Ethereum wallet in which users can securely store the cryptocurrency.

 

News and updates

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