{"id":7464,"date":"2022-02-10T06:07:34","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T06:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/egrowonline.com\/?p=7464"},"modified":"2022-02-10T06:07:34","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T06:07:34","slug":"a-beginners-guide-to-altcoins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/egrowonline.com\/?p=7464","title":{"rendered":"A Beginners Guide To Altcoins"},"content":{"rendered":"


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This article was originally published on Gokhshtein Media<\/a> and appears here with permission.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re new to cryptocurrency, you probably already have many questions. I know I did. At the beginning of my crypto adventure, I was mainly confused about the types of coins and their functions, especially altcoins. I also didn\u2019t know where or how to invest my money.<\/p>\n

Through research and mentoring, I\u2019ve expanded my knowledge on all-things crypto and made it my mission to help others like me. That is why I\u2019ve created a beginner\u2019s guide to altcoins with general information to help you form an opinion and strategy.<\/p>\n

What is an Altcoin, and How are They Different From Bitcoin?<\/h3>\n

By definition, altcoins are \u201calternative\u201d cryptocurrencies to Bitcoin <\/strong>(CRYPTO: BTC<\/a>)\u00a0<\/strong>(also, in some instances, coins other than Ether (CRYPTO: ETH<\/a>)). Altcoins distinguish themselves from Bitcoin by extending their capabilities and bridging the gap of Bitcoin\u2019s perceived shortcomings. BUT, altcoins use Bitcoin as a benchmark since it was the first dominating coin in the market. Although altcoins have the same premise as Bitcoin (to use the blockchain as an incorruptible public ledger with legitimate transactions), altcoins have taken this model and molded it to achieve different goals and dissolve limitations.<\/p>\n

How Many Altcoins Exist?<\/h3>\n

According to\u00a0Statista,\u00a0there are nearly 6,000 altcoins as of last year (2021). This was an extreme increase from just a handful of altcoins that existed in 2013. Although there are many altcoins, many of these cryptocurrencies are not considered significant due to the highly open and accessible creation process of cryptocurrency, making it easy to create a coin.<\/p>\n

Are There Multiple Types of Altcoins?<\/h3>\n

Yes. There are multiple types of altcoins, such as mining-based crypto, stablecoins, tokens, forks, and native cryptocurrencies, which all vary in definition, origin, and function. Also, not all altcoins are valued the same\u2013 some cost pennies while others are hundreds of dollars. As for operation, some altcoins use a different consensus mechanism to produce blocks or validate transactions. Some distinguish themselves from Bitcoin by providing new or additional capabilities, such as\u00a0smart contracts\u00a0or low price volatility.<\/p>\n

Mining-Based Crypto<\/h3>\n

Crypto mining is how new units of digital currency are created. You\u2019re mining them based purely on speculation. For example, you may look to mine Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE<\/a>)\u00a0in hopes that the future value will increase. Most mining-based altcoins use\u00a0proof of work<\/a>\u00a0(PoW), in which systems generate new coins by solving problems and creating blocks. Litecoin (CRYPTO: LTC<\/a>), Monero (CRYPTO: XMR<\/a>), and ZCash (CRYPTO: ZEC<\/a>) are examples of mining-based Altcoins.<\/p>\n

Stablecoins<\/h3>\n

The primary use for a stablecoin is facilitating trades on exchange platforms. So, instead of buying Bitcoin directly with fiat (like the U.S. dollar), traders exchange fiat for a stablecoin and then use that for another cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. Stablecoins were developed to offer the advantages of blockchain technology without price volatility. A great example of a stablecoin is Tether, the largest stablecoin by market capitalization, tied to the U.S. dollar. One Tether will always equal one U.S. dollar.<\/p>\n

Native Cryptocurrencies<\/h3>\n

These cryptocurrencies were initially created to run on a specific blockchain network. For example, Bitcoin is a native coin because it is the currency that\u2019s used based on the Bitcoin blockchain. Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, is a native coin of the Etherum network. Binance is also a native coin as it uses the Binance Chain.<\/p>\n

Meme Coins<\/h3>\n

As the name suggests, these coins are inspired by a joke or meme or created as a parody of other well-known cryptocurrencies. They typically gain popularity in a short amount of time due to internet hype and are short-lived, making them very volatile. The primary use of meme coins is for crypto influencers and retail investors to exploit short-term gains. The most well-known example is Elon Musk and Dogecoin.<\/p>\n

Tokens<\/h3>\n

A token is a unit of value that operates on an existing blockchain and is used for specific purposes. You can think of these as using tokens in an old-school arcade. For example, you exchange U.S. dollars for tokens to operate the games. Chainlink<\/strong>\u00a0(CRYPTO: LINK<\/a>)\u00a0is an example of a platform that is built on top of the Ethereum blockchain and is used to convert real-world data into a blockchain-friendly format that can be read by smart contracts.<\/p>\n

The LINK token associated with Chainlink is used to pay for Chainlink\u2019s services. So, if an investor believes that the demand for smart-contract services is going to rise, they may buy LINK. Other token examples include Security and Utility Tokens.<\/p>\n

Security Tokens are portable devices that authenticate users\u2019 identities by using personal information. It sounds daunting, but it is essentially a digital form of traditional security. Examples of security tokens include USB tokens that plug into ports, Bluetooth tokens, electronic key fobs, etc. A Utility Token is a particular type of token that helps in capitalizing or financing projects for startups, companies, or other professional groups. They are generally unregulated and help create an internal economy within the blockchain of a specific task. Examples of utility tokens include the \u201cBasic Attention Token\u201d and \u201cThe Golem Token.\u201d In the real world, gift cards and public transportation tickets are also examples.<\/p>\n

Forks<\/h3>\n

In a crypto blockchain, groups of recorded transactions, also known as the public ledger, are organized into blocks. Each block is connected to the next. For a new block to be appended into the chain, all previous transitions in the block must be verified with a consensus that everything is \u201cright\u201d within the chain. A consensus is required for the list of transactions and rules that govern the blockchain network. When a group decides the change the rules, it can validate a split in the chain. This split is known as a fork.<\/p>\n

A fork creates a new chain in which transactions are logged under the new rules agreed upon by those who validate the fork. Meanwhile, the other \u201cprong\u201d of the fork continues the chain as usual. Forks repeatedly happen, creating new protocols and evolving cryptocurrencies all the while. An example of a fork would be Bitcoin Cash. Bitcoin Cash originated from the original Bitcoin blockchain. Dogecoin is a fork of Luckycoin, a fork of Litecoin, which was a fork of Bitcoin.<\/p>\n

What to Consider Before Buying Altcoins<\/h3>\n

Like any other aspect of investing, take the time to read through what the organization is trying to accomplish through this altcoin. Here are some questions you can ask yourself.<\/p>\n