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Crypto Basics

Cardano (ADA) Crypto – What It Is and How It Works?

Learn everything about Cardano (ADA) crypto and how it works in this descriptive guide.
Token Metrics Team
8 minutes
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Cardano (ADA) can be described as a blockchain platform that’s designed to enable the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts. It is the first blockchain platform to be built on a scientific philosophy and to be developed through peer-reviewed research and scientific rigor. Developed by a global team of leading researchers and engineers, Cardano is set to revolutionize the way we use and interact with blockchain technology. 

This beginner's guide to Cardano will provide you with all the information you need to understand the platform, its features, and how to use it. From its unique consensus algorithm to its native token ADA, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of Cardano. Whether you're a beginner interested in learning more about Cardano or a blockchain expert looking for the latest information, this guide has you covered from end-to-end. 

History of Cardano

Cardano was founded by Charles Hoskinson, who also co-founded Ethereum. However, Cardano is a very different platform from Ethereum regarding its design and goals. Whereas Ethereum is a decentralized application ("dapp") platform designed to power all sorts of different decentralized applications, Cardano is designed to be a "first generation" blockchain platform that can be used to build decentralized applications, as well as other things.

The Cardano Foundation, IOHK, and Emurgo are developing the Cardano platform. The three groups are working together to build the Cardano platform and will hold a stake in the Cardano ecosystem. 

The first phase of Cardano's development began in 2015. At the time, a company called Input-Output (IOHK) was contracted to build the platform. In 2017, IOHK decided to hand over control of the project to the Cardano Foundation and Emurgo. The three partners are now working together to bring Cardano to market. The next development phase has been completed sometime between 2020 and 2021. After that, Cardano emerged as a fully decentralized blockchain.

How Does Cardano Work?

The Cardano platform uses a proof of stake (PoS) consensus algorithm to manage its decentralized network. Proof of stake is a consensus algorithm where the right to add new blocks to the blockchain is determined not by computing power but by coin ownership. In PoS-based blockchains, users must "stake" or "deposit" their coins to add new blocks to the blockchain for a certain amount of time. The more coins a user stakes, the greater the chance that the user will be selected to add a new block. Cardano uses the Ouroboros proof of stake algorithm. 

Ouroboros is the first proof of stake algorithm to be proven secure in a peer-reviewed paper. This unique algorithm uses a "random selection of a catch-up fellow" to create a network with no central authority. In other words, no single person or group can control the network. The algorithm works by randomly selecting a "follower" who can "catch up" with the "leader."

The leader is the person responsible for adding new blocks to the blockchain. The follower has one job: to predict what the leader will do. If the follower is correct, they are promoted to the leader and given a chance to add a new block. If the follower is incorrect, they remain a follower, and another random person is selected to catch up. The Ouroboros algorithm was expected to be completed by June 2020. But, according to recent reports, Charles Hoskinson said that the Ouroboros Genesis implementation will be in 2023.

Cardano's Development and Governance

The development and governance of Cardano are handled by three large organizations:

The Cardano Foundation: The Cardano Foundation maintains Cardano's core. This group promotes the platform, manages its marketing and communications, and defends the brand.

IOHK: IOHK leads the team behind Cardano's core. This group is responsible for developing and maintaining the platform's core software and bringing new features to the market.

Emurgo: The third group, Emurgo, brings businesses and investments to the Cardano ecosystem. Emurgo helps businesses integrate with the Cardano network and encourages others to build projects on the Cardano platform.

The functioning of Cardano stands tall because of the highly secured and powerful ecosystem as mentioned above. Now, what is Cardano’s native token ADA?

Cardano's Native Token - ADA

Cardano's native token, ADA, sends money on the Cardano blockchain. It also rewards people who help maintain and build the network. The team behind Cardano has stated that ADA is more than just a token: it also serves as "the fuel that drives the Cardano ecosystem." Cardano’s development team has stated that the platform will be fully decentralized once the network has been around for a few years. Until then, the platform will be maintained by a group of stakeholders who have a vested interest in the platform's success. These stakeholders have a stake in the system and are rewarded with ADA for helping maintain the platform. 

There are 3-easy ways to earn ADA

  • Hosting a node, 
  • Providing software assurance, or 
  • Contributing to the development of Cardano's software or research.

Apart from these, Cardano’s powerful 3-layered ecosystem makes it reliable and trustworthy. 

The 3-Layered Cardano's Ecosystem

Here are the three secured-layers that constitute Cardano (ADA): 

The Cardano Network: The Cardano network is the blockchain that runs the ADA token and smart contracts. It is maintained by the stakeholders, who receive ADA for their work.

Cardano's core technology: The Cardano core represents the core software that powers the Cardano network. This includes the programming languages used to build decentralized applications and the virtual machine that runs those apps.

All the projects built on top of the Cardano platform: The Cardano projects layer lists all the decentralized applications built on top of the Cardano network.
To top it all, you can also enjoy the benefit of smart contracts on Cardano. 

Smart Contracts On Cardano

Although Cardano is designed to be a dapp platform, it can also be used to build smart contracts. The programming language used to build smart contracts on Cardano is called Haskell and Cardano's virtual machine, called the "Computing Resources And Dispatcher" (CRDD), can execute many programming languages.

Any decentralized application built in any programming language can be hosted on the Cardano network. Cardano's smart contracts are unique because they are the first to be verified by a formal verification tool called the "Industrial Strength Verification" (ISV). This tool will help you confirm whether or not a smart contract is safe to use.

Cardano's Use Cases

Use Case #1: The first use case for Cardano is a decentralized application platform. This means that developers can build apps on top of the Cardano blockchain. These dapps will be able to send and receive ADA and use other features like the ability to create a wallet or sign a transaction. 

Use Case #2: The second use case for Cardano is as a financial asset. Investors can buy and sell ADA on cryptocurrency exchanges, and the token could also represent ownership in a company.

Now, let’s see the security measures that Cardano aims to offer.

Security on Cardano

One of the most common questions about Cardano is how secure it is compared to other blockchains. Cardano does not claim to be more secure than other blockchains but seeks to be as secure as possible. The team behind Cardano has said that one of their goals is to be the "safest and most reliable blockchain." 

One way Cardano strives to be more secure is through its unique design. While other blockchains are designed to do one thing well, Cardano is designed to do many different things less well. Cardano's design means no single platform part is crucial to its operation. If one part of the platform fails, many other parts can take its place. This indicates safety at its best.

Is Cardano a Worthy Investment?

There we are swinging again to whether or not Cardano is a good investment. Let’s check out the latest updates before we decide, shall we?

According to the Cryptoglobe’s Report, ADA’s price might soar up to 100% by 31st January, 2023. Major upgrades are being anticipated by investors to improve DeFi’s significance through its oracles.

So, Cardano is something to look forward to owing to its upcoming features. 

Future of Cardano

Let’s dive a bit further into the future. Cryptopolitan thinks the price of ADA will soar up to $21.35 on an average, with a minimum price of $20.55. Changelly also believes that ADA price will rise, but the website thinks the coin price will only peak at $15.69, with an average of $13.92, similar to the data from Price Prediction. The website’s analysts predict that the coin’s maximum price will be $15.69 with a minimum of $13.55.

Most experts predict that Cardano might see a bright future in 2023. With persistent developments Cardano’s ecosystem has been witnessing, and in the crypto asset market as a whole, Cardano can potentially reach a new high.

The Bottom Line

Cardano aims to be a "first generation" blockchain technology. The platform is being built by a group of organizations, each with a specific role in the project.

The team hopes this design will help Cardano achieve its goal of being the most secure blockchain. The platform uses a unique consensus algorithm, and its native token is storable in various wallets. The token can be used to represent ownership in a company. 

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Crypto Basics

Ethereum Staking - What It Is and How to Stake ETH?

Token Metrics Team
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Ethereum staking is a new way to earn rewards for holding ETH. It’s a process that involves depositing your Ether into a smart contract and receiving rewards in the form of ETH.

Ethereum staking has become increasingly popular over the past year and is expected to continue to grow. You can maximize your rewards and minimize your risks with the right approach. This article will explain Ethereum staking, its pros and cons, how to get started, and much more.

What is Ethereum Staking?

Ethereum staking is a way to earn rewards by depositing your ETH into a smart contract. It may require you to lock away your ETH in the contract for a certain period of time. But with liquid staking becoming popular, you can trade your staked tokens with ease. During this time, you will earn rewards based on the amount of Ethereum you have staked and the length of time you have staked for. Ethereum staking is a great way to earn passive income, as you don't have to manage your ETH actively.

The process of Ethereum staking works like this: you first need to choose a staking platform and deposit your ETH into a smart contract. The platform will then track your ETH and calculate your rewards. Once you have staked your ETH, you will receive rewards in the form of ETH. The rewards you receive can vary depending on the platform, the length of time you've staked for, and the amount of ETH you've staked.

Ethereum staking is an important part of the Ethereum network. It helps to secure the network and allows users to receive rewards for their contribution. By staking your ETH, you're helping to keep the Ethereum network secure and functioning properly.

Pros and Cons of Staking Ethereum

Before you decide to stake your ETH, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of staking. Ethereum staking has the potential to be very profitable, but there are also some risks associated with it.

One of the biggest pros of staking Ethereum is that it's an easy way to earn passive income. You don't have to manage your ETH actively; you can earn rewards by holding onto it. The rewards can be significant depending on the platform and the amount of ETH you've staked.

Another pro of staking ETH is that it helps to secure the Ethereum network. By staking your ETH, you're helping to keep the network secure and functioning properly. This helps to ensure the overall success of the network and can be beneficial for everyone involved.

On the other hand, there are some risks associated with Ethereum staking.

One of the biggest risks is that you could lose your ETH if your platform goes out of business or is hacked. It's important to ensure you're only using trusted platforms and taking the necessary steps to secure your ETH.

Additionally, you won't be able to access your ETH until the staking period is complete (until it changes with upgrades), which could be months or years.

How to Get Started with Ethereum Staking?

The process of staking ETH is relatively straightforward, but there are a few important steps you should take.

The first step is to choose a staking platform. Several different staking platforms are available, so it's important to research and choose one that fits your needs. You should also ensure that the platform is secure and that your ETH is safe.

Once you've chosen a platform, the next step is to deposit your ETH into the platform's smart contract. You'll need to enter the amount of ETH you want to stake, and the time you want to stake for.

That's it, you are now earning ETH as long as you are staked.

Ethereum Staking Pools

Ethereum staking pools are important because it allows you to stake any amount of ETH. If they did not exist, you would need to stake at least 32 ETH to become a validator. Pooling allows everyone to contribute ETH to fullfill the required amount of ETH to start staking.

There are several different staking pools available, so it's important to do your research and choose one that fits your needs. Most staking pools have a minimum amount of ETH you need to stake, so make sure you know this before joining. Additionally, some pools may charge fees for their services, so make sure to factor this into your decision.

How Much Can You Earn Staking ETH?

The amount of rewards you can earn from staking ETH can vary depending on the platform you're using, the amount of ETH you've staked, and the length of time you've staked for. Generally speaking, the more ETH you stake and the longer you stake for, the more rewards you'll receive.

The rewards you receive can also vary depending on the staking pool you're using. Some pools may offer higher rewards than others, so it's important to research and choose one that fits your needs.

Is Staking ETH a Good Idea?

Ethereum staking can be a profitable way to earn passive income, but it’s important to understand the risks involved. As with any investment, there’s always a chance that you could lose your ETH if the platform you’re using gets hacked. Additionally, you won’t be able to access your ETH until the staking period is complete, so make sure you're aware of this before getting started.

Overall, Ethereum staking can be a great way to earn passive income, but it's important to research and understand the risks before getting started. If you're willing to take risks and do your due diligence, Ethereum staking can be a great way to earn rewards.

The Bottom Line

Ethereum staking is a great way to earn rewards for holding onto your ETH. It's a process that involves depositing your ETH into a smart contract and receiving rewards in the form of ETH.

You can maximize your rewards and minimize your risks with the right approach. This article explains ethereum staking, its pros and cons, how to get started with it, and much more. If you're looking for a way to earn passive income, Ethereum staking could be a great option for you.

Crypto Basics

Crypto Fear and Greed Index - What it is and How to Use it?

S. Vishwa
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When you understand the dynamics of the crypto markets, one of the most important tools at your disposal is the crypto Fear and Greed Index. This index provides an easy-to-understand snapshot of the collective sentiment in the crypto markets.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Fear and Greed Index, exploring what it is, how to use it, and how it can help you make better decisions in the crypto markets.

What is the Crypto Fear and Greed Index?

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index is a tool that measures the sentiment in the crypto markets. It considers a range of factors, including market volatility, trading volume, and the price movements of major cryptocurrencies. The index assigns a score to each of these factors, and then uses those scores to calculate an overall fear and greed score. The score then indicates whether the market is in fear, greed, or neutrality.

The Fear and Greed Index has become increasingly popular among crypto traders and investors as it provides a useful way to gauge the current market sentiment. This can help traders and investors make more informed decisions about when to enter and exit the markets.

Key Features of Fear and Greed Index

The Fear and Greed Index has several key features that make it an invaluable tool for traders and investors. 

1. It provides an easy-to-understand snapshot of the current market sentiment. This can help traders and investors decide quickly when to enter or exit the markets.

2. The index is updated regularly and is based on real-time data. This ensures that the index is always up-to-date and accurately reflects the current market sentiment.

3. The index is highly customizable. Users can configure the index to include only the factors most relevant to their trading strategy. This helps ensure that users get an accurate picture of the market sentiment tailored to their specific needs.

4. The index is free to use and is available on various platforms, including mobile and desktop apps. This ensures that users can access the index from wherever they are.

How to Use the Crypto Fear and Greed Index?

Using the Fear and Greed Index is relatively straightforward. Once you've set up the index, you'll be presented with a chart displaying the current fear and greed score. This score will range from 0 to 100, with 0 being the most fearful and 100 being the most greedy.

The score can determine when it's best to enter or exit the markets. Generally speaking, a score of 0 to 30 indicates that the market is in a state of fear, while a score of 70 to 100 indicates that the market is in a state of greed. If the score is between these two ranges, it indicates that the market is in a state of neutrality.

It is important to note that the Fear and Greed Index is not a predictive tool but rather a tool to help traders and investors better understand the current market sentiment. As such, it should not be used as the basis for trading decisions.

How is the Crypto Fear and Greed Index Calculated?

The Fear and Greed Index is calculated using various factors, including market volatility, trading volume, and the price movements of major cryptocurrencies. Each of these factors is assigned a score, which is then used to calculate an overall fear and greed score.

The algorithm is constantly being updated to reflect the current market sentiment accurately. Users can customize the index to include only the factors most relevant to their trading strategy.

Is it a Short-Term or Long-Term Indicator?

The Fear and Greed Index is best used as a short-term indicator. This is because it is based on real-time data, constantly updated to reflect the current market sentiment.

However, it can also be used as a long-term indicator. For example, if the Fear and Greed Index consistently shows a score of 0 to 30, it could indicate that the market is in a state of prolonged fear, which could signify that it is time to start buying.

Where Can I Access the Crypto Fear and Greed Index?

The Fear and Greed Index is available on the Token Metrics Market page with the name called Bull and Bear.

Strategies for Using the Crypto Fear and Greed Index

One strategy for using the Fear and Greed Index is to look for divergences between the index and the price movements of major cryptocurrencies. For example, if the Fear and Greed Index is showing a score of 0 to 30, but the price of Bitcoin is increasing, this could indicate that there is buying pressure in the market and that it might be a good time to buy.

Another strategy is to use the Fear and Greed Index as a confirmation tool. For example, if the Fear and Greed Index is showing a score of 0 to 30 and other indicators also indicate that it's a good time to buy, then this could be taken as a confirmation that it is indeed a good time to buy.

Also Read - Why is Crypto Crashing? - Everything You Need to Know

The Bottom Line

The Fear and Greed Index is a powerful tool for traders and investors looking to understand the current market sentiment. It provides an easy-to-understand snapshot of the market sentiment and is updated regularly to ensure that it is always up-to-date.

However, it should not be used as the sole basis for trading decisions. Instead, it should be used with other indicators and techniques to help traders and investors make more informed decisions about when to enter and exit the markets.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Crypto Basics

Bitcoin Dominance – What it is and How it Affects Altcoins

Token Metrics Team
6 minutes

Click here to trade cryptos at MEXC!

Bitcoin is the world's leading cryptocurrency, accounting for over 60% of the total market capitalization. This is largely due to its strong network effect and liquidity, making it the most popular digital asset for investors and traders.

But what is Bitcoin dominance, and why is it important?

In this article, we'll take a look at what Bitcoin dominance is, the key factors that affect it, the advantages and disadvantages of Bitcoin dominance, and more.

What Is Bitcoin Dominance?

Bitcoin dominance is the percentage of the entire cryptocurrency market capitalization held by Bitcoin. It is calculated by dividing the market capitalization of Bitcoin by the total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies.

If the total market cap of cryptocurrencies is $1,000,000 and the market cap of Bitcoin is $500,000, then the Bitcoin dominance would be 50%.

Bitcoin dominance is a useful metric for understanding the overall health of the cryptocurrency market, and can provide some insights into the current state of the market.

Key Factors That Affect Bitcoin Dominance

Several factors can affect Bitcoin dominance, including the following:

Investor Sentiment: Investor sentiment plays a major role in determining Bitcoin's market dominance. When investors are bullish on Bitcoin, they are more likely to buy and hold the asset, which can increase its market cap and, thus, its dominance. On the other hand, when investor sentiment is bearish, investors are less likely to hold the asset, and this can lead to a decrease in its market cap and, thus, its dominance.

Regulation: The regulatory environment in which Bitcoin operates can also significantly impact its dominance. If regulatory authorities support Bitcoin, this can encourage more investors to enter and increase its market cap, allowing it to maintain its dominance. Conversely, if regulatory authorities are hostile towards Bitcoin, this can discourage investors from investing in the asset, decreasing its market cap and thus its dominance.

Adoption: As more people adopt Bitcoin, its market capitalization increases, allowing it to maintain its dominance. Conversely, if fewer people adopt Bitcoin, its market capitalization decreases, decreasing its dominance.

Supply and Demand: Supply and demand are also major factors that can affect Bitcoin dominance. If there is an increase in the demand for Bitcoin, this can increase its price and market capitalization, allowing it to maintain its dominance. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the demand for Bitcoin, this can lead to a decrease in its price and market capitalization, decreasing its dominance.

Also Read - Is Bitcoin Dead?

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Bitcoin Dominance

Like any other asset, Bitcoin dominance has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of Bitcoin dominance:

BTC Dominance Advantages

Liquidity: Bitcoin is the most liquid cryptocurrency, with its liquidity often surpassing traditional assets. This makes it easier to buy and sell, which is beneficial for traders and investors.

Network Effect: Bitcoin has a strong network effect, meaning that more people are likely to join the network as more people use it. This can help to ensure that Bitcoin maintains its dominance.

Security: Bitcoin is the most secure cryptocurrency, with its blockchain providing a secure and immutable record of transactions. This makes it attractive to investors who are looking for a certain asset.

BTC Dominance Disadvantages

Volatility: Bitcoin is highly volatile, meaning its price can fluctuate dramatically in a brief period. This can make it difficult to predict its future performance, which can be a disadvantage for investors.

Scalability: Bitcoin's blockchain is less efficient than some blockchains, meaning it can take longer to process transactions. This can be a disadvantage for traders who need to make quick trades.

Risk of Forking: Bitcoin is prone to forking, meaning that the blockchain can be split into two blockchains. This can be a disadvantage for investors as it can lead to confusion and uncertainty about which version of the blockchain is the "real” one.

Bitcoin Dominance vs. Altcoins

Bitcoin dominance is also an important metric when comparing different cryptocurrencies. Generally speaking, Bitcoin is the most dominant cryptocurrency, followed by Ethereum and other altcoins. However, certain altcoins have been able to outpace Bitcoin in terms of market capitalization, such as Ethereum.

When Bitcoin dominance increases, altcoins are usually stagnant. When altcoin dominance increases, altcoins start to move up a lot higher while bitcoin remains around its initial value.

Historical Performance of Bitcoin Dominance

The historical performance of Bitcoin dominance is an important metric when assessing the overall health of the cryptocurrency market. Generally speaking, Bitcoin has maintained its dominance over the years, with its market capitalization accounting for more than 60% of the total market capitalization.

However, there have been certain periods where its dominance had decreased, such as during the 2017 bull run when the market capitalization of altcoins increased significantly.

Why Bitcoin Dominance Is Important

Bitcoin dominance is an important metric for understanding the overall health of the cryptocurrency market. As the most dominant cryptocurrency, it's an indication of the strength and popularity of the asset, and can be used as an indicator of the overall market sentiment. Therefore, investors need to monitor Bitcoin dominance to gain insights into the current state of the market.

Strategies for Trading Bitcoin Dominance

Trading Bitcoin dominance can be a lucrative way to make money in the cryptocurrency market. Here are some strategies for trading Bitcoin dominance:

Long Term Trading: Long term traders can take advantage of Bitcoin's long term uptrend by buying and holding the asset. This strategy can be profitable if Bitcoin continues to increase in value over time.

Short Term Trading: Short term traders can take advantage of Bitcoin's short term price movements by trading on the short term price fluctuations. This can be a profitable strategy if the trader can predict the short term price movements correctly.

Momentum Trading: Momentum traders can take advantage of Bitcoin's strong network effect by trading on the asset's momentum. This can be a profitable strategy if the trader can correctly predict the direction of the momentum.

Altcoin Investing: Investors can jump ships and invest into altcoins when they see Bitcoin dominance decreasing compared to alts.

Click here to trade cryptos at MEXC!

The Bottom Line

Bitcoin dominance is an important metric for understanding the overall health of the cryptocurrency market. It's a useful metric for assessing the current state of the market and can provide some insights into the strength and popularity of Bitcoin.

Several factors can affect Bitcoin dominance, including investor sentiment, regulation, adoption, and supply and demand. Additionally, there are both advantages and disadvantages of Bitcoin dominance, and it's important to keep these in mind when trading.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Click here to trade cryptos at MEXC!

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