Cryptocurrency has surely got the interest of most of us, especially those who keep their eyes on new and better investments. You may be someone who saw cryptocurrency on the rise based on the news. You may also be someone who has been looking out for a better trend before investing in crypto. In either situation, this article will add something to your present knowledge. After wrapping this up, you will know how trading cryptocurrency works. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Reasons Why Cryptocurrencies Are On The Rise
Before we discuss all the tech-stuff surrounding cryptocurrencies, it is good to know why crypto is getting more and more popular. Here are some of that:
- Users, miners, and supporters see cryptocurrencies as the future’s currency. Like any other investment, they are racing to buy them now, probably before becoming more valuable.
- The technology behind cryptocurrencies, blockchain, is truly remarkable. It is a decentralized recording and processing system that is safer than the typical payment systems.
- On the other hand, some speculators like cryptocurrencies as they are blowing up in value. They have no interest in its widespread and long-term acceptance as a way for the economy.
- Some users love that cryptocurrency can oust central banks from managing the money supply. Over time, these banks tend to lessen money’s value via inflation.
What Is Cryptocurrency?
One way to grasp a new idea is toby knowing the word itself. And from cryptocurrency, obviously, there are “crypto” and “currency.”
Cryptography
The conversion of comprehensible text into unintelligible code, and vice-versa for integrity, authentication, and confidentiality purposes.
Currency
A medium of exchange that lets people translate their work into tangible value as an exchange for goods or services.
Cryptocurrency
Combining the two concepts, and you get the medium of exchange that is digital and uses encryption to secure transactions. This digital currency is more reliable and safer than ever.
Other Crypto Words You Must Know
- Blockchain
A digital and fully transparent ledger on which every member of the network records a transaction. Although public, each member of the network has their own ledger, which must be in sync with everyone else’s. - Block
A collection of records, data, or transactions on the blockchain. - Block reward
Block reward is in the form of bitcoins. It is given to “miners” who successfully added a new block to the blockchain. - Proof-of-stake
An algorithm that lets miners ‘put up a stake’ of their currency to authenticate a block of transactions. - Proof-of-work
This is an algorithm, or simply a hash, that turns extensive data into a large number of a fixed output. This hash is so challenging to solve. It would require significant work and computing power.
How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
There is undoubtedly a lot to learn before you begin to see daylight with cryptocurrency. So, buckle up as we get deeper into how cryptocurrencies work.
Origin of Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are entries in a digital ledger or database no one could exchange or alter unless particular conditions are met. Cryptocurrencies are similar to virtual accounting systems. It lets you transact with credit cards, cash, or cheques to make purchases, accept payment, or invest. The transactions are recorded in digital blocks and then signed cryptographically – making them completely secure.
Bitcoin was introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto, a pseudonym for the genius or group, back in 2009. It was defined as a ‘peer-to-peer electronic cash system’, an entirely decentralized system, running without any servers or central controlling unit.
The Blockchain Technology
Cryptocurrencies are so revolutionary, and this is all because of blockchain. Blockchain is the technology that is the backbone of cryptocurrency. This system found a way to solve the most critical issues digital payments faced, which is ‘double-spending.’ This is a recurring problem in which money is being spent twice.
Blockchain technology transformed digital platforms from depending on trusted third parties and networks to stop double-spending. This decentralized network uses a global public ledger that shows every transaction within the decentralized network. If someone tries to spend or transfer the same cryptocurrency fund more than once by creating two separate transactions with the same input of the same block, then the two transactions cancel each other out.
The Personal Crypto-Signature
When you receive or buy cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin, the system will give you a secret digital key that proves on the network that an amount of bitcoin is yours to use or spend as you wish. The time you spend that bitcoin, the entire network will know that you have transferred the ‘ownership’ of it, and your personal key is proof that you have the authority to do such. The history of every single transaction made is a universal record of who owns what. That record or public ledger is called “blockchain.”
Is Cryptocurrency Worth Investing Into?
Cryptocurrencies may rise in value, but many investors point to them as not real investments, but only mere speculations. Just like accurate and current currencies, cryptocurrencies generate no cash flow. So for you to gain profit, someone has to pay more for the crypto-coin than you did.
For supporters who see crypto such as Bitcoin as the currency of the future, remember that money needs stability for consumers and merchants to know what a fair price is. In this case, cryptocurrencies have been fluctuating through much of their existence. Like how Bitcoin traded at close to $20,000 in December 2017, its value dropped to about $3,200 a year later. But by December 2020, it was trading at record levels again. Click here to know more about how trading cryptocurrency works!
Conclusion
We hope that you picked a thing or two on how trading cryptocurrency works. This is only a beginner’s guide that’s why we discussed fundamental concepts of crypto. If you have ever decided to start trading, the necessary know-how at your hand will help you make better investment decisions along the way. So, make sure that you equip yourself with the crypto nitty-gritties!