Let us first understand the virtual currency world. Cryptocurrency is a generic name given to all encrypted decentralized digital or virtual currencies. Many of us may not be knowing Satoshi Nakamato, the unknown inventor of Bitcoin, the first and most popular cryptocurrency, never intended to invent a currency. He had announced, in late 2008, development of " a Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System". This decision subsequently led to birth of cryptocurrency "Bitcoin".
Cryptocurrency uses cryptography, in order to create coins, and ensure security of transactions. Cryptocurrecy uses block-chain technology for recording ledgers of transactions. These are private currencies with no underlying asset nor a sovereign guarantee as in case of currency notes. Most popular cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin and Ripple, although there are hundreds of such private currencies in use. Cryptocurrencies are traded on cryptocurrency exchanges and despite volatile price movements; market capitalization and values have been growing. It would be difficult to arrive at intrinsic value of virtual currency in the absence of underlying assets or supporting financial data.
Major problem with cryptocurrencies is to check double spending in a decentralized network, with no server, of ledgers and transactions. Every peer in the chain of the transactions has to have list of all transactions to ensure future transactions are valid or an attempt to double spending. In the absence of consensus among peers in the network, even for a single transaction, chain gets broken. Satoshi's major innovation was to achieve consensus without central authority that helped solution exciting, adventurous to roll all over the world.
Keep watching this space for more information on Cryptocurrencies!
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