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Cryptocurrencies are a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies are decentralised and run on a technology called blockchain, which is a distributed ledger managed by a network of computers.

Bitcoin, the first and most famous cryptocurrency, was introduced in 2009 by an anonymous person known as Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin has laid the foundations for a new form of digital currency that operates independently of a central authority.

• Bitcoin versus other cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin is the first and best known cryptocurrency that uses decentralised blockchain technology.
• Unique Characteristics of Bitcoin: Bitcoin has a fixed supply of 21 million coins and uses proof of work (PoW) to secure and validate transactions.
• Economic principles: Bitcoin's advantages include scarcity, durability, divisibility and portability, making it a credible alternative to fiat currencies.
• Market dominance: Bitcoin remains the leading cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalisation and recognition.
• Ethereum: Ethereum, known for its smart contract functionality, is the second largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin.

Bitcoin is often referred to as "digital gold" because of its fixed supply and its role as a store of value.


The creation of Bitcoin marked the beginning of a decentralised financial system. But what is Bitcoin (BTC)? It is a digital currency that operates without a central authority or banks. Developed in response to the 2008 financial crisis, Bitcoin aims to offer an alternative to traditional banking systems. Its decentralised nature means that no single entity controls the network, making it resistant to censorship and interference. The historical significance of Bitcoin is huge as it pioneered the concept of blockchain technology, which has since found application not only in cryptocurrencies but also in many other fields.


The main characteristics of Bitcoin are its decentralised nature, limited supply and pow consensus mechanism. Bitcoin's supply is limited to 21 million coins, which creates a shortage and can increase in value over time. The pow system, in which miners solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and create new blocks, ensures the security and integrity of the network. In addition, Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, which provides users with a certain level of privacy while maintaining the transparency of the blockchain.


Bitcoin operates according to sound money principles, including scarcity, durability, divisibility, and portability. Its fixed supply contrasts with the inflationary nature of fiat currencies, where central banks can print money at will. This feature has led some to refer to Bitcoin as "digital gold." Bitcoin's divisibility, as one Bitcoin is divisible into 100 million satoshis, makes it suitable for both microtransactions and large transfers. Bitcoin's portability allows it to be transferred around the world in minutes, without intermediaries.


Bitcoin is primarily focused on being a decentralised digital currency and store of value, while many altcoins aim to improve specific aspects of blockchain technology. This makes Bitcoin unique in its simplicity and security compared to the various functionalities offered by other cryptocurrencies.


While Bitcoin remains the most important cryptocurrency, many others, known as altcoins, have emerged. But how do cryptocurrencies work? Essentially, cryptocurrencies run on blockchain technology, a decentralised ledger that records all transactions through a network of computers. It provides transparency and security without the need for a central authority.

These altcoins often include new technologies and features that Bitcoin doesn't have. For example, Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency, has introduced smart contracts that allow transactions to be programmed. Other altcoins, such as Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash, have made changes to Bitcoin's original code to improve the speed and efficiency of transactions.


Bitcoin maintains its position as the leading cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalisation and acceptance. Their dominance is often reflected in the overall performance of the cryptocurrency market: many altcoins follow Bitcoin's price trends. However, some altcoins are opening up significant niches by offering unique features and usage scenarios that Bitcoin does not have. Despite this, Bitcoin's first mover advantage and widespread acceptance continue to cement its dominance.


Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that use cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. They operate in decentralised networks based on blockchain technology.

Bitcoin fits this definition perfectly, as it was the first cryptocurrency to introduce and apply these principles. Its decentralised nature, use of cryptography and blockchain fundamentals confirm its status as a cryptocurrency.


There is a misconception that Bitcoin, because of its high value and comparisons to digital gold, is not a true cryptocurrency. However, these comparisons do not invalidate its classification as a cryptocurrency. Bitcoin's core features, including peer-to-peer transactions, decentralised control and cryptographic security, coincide with the core characteristics of a cryptocurrency. Therefore, despite its unique attributes and high value, Bitcoin remains inherently a cryptocurrency.


Since Bitcoin's inception, thousands of alternative cryptocurrencies have been developed. These altcoins seek to address Bitcoin's perceived limitations and introduce new functionality. Cryptocurrencies currently include several types, such as those focused on privacy (Pirate Chain, Zcash), transaction efficiency and speed (Litecoin, Ripple), decentralised applications (Ethereum), stable coins (Tether, USDC), control tokens (Maker, Compound) and even meme coins (Dogecoin, Shiba Inu).


Some well-known altcoins such as Ethereum, Ripple and Litecoin have gained widespread popularity. Ethereum is known for its smart contract functionality, which allows developers to create decentralised applications (dApps) on its platform. Ripple focuses on facilitating fast and inexpensive international payments. Litecoin, often referred to as silver compared to Bitcoin's gold, offers faster transaction times and a different hashing algorithm.


Ethereum has established itself as the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation. Its platform allows developers to build and deploy decentralised applications, making it a cornerstone of the decentralised finance (DeFi) movement. Ethereum's strong ecosystem and its continuous development has cemented its position in the cryptocurrency market.

The introduction of smart contracts in Ethereum has revolutionised the way transactions and agreements are executed on the blockchain. Its transition from a proof-of-work consensus mechanism to a proof-of-stake mechanism, known as Ethereum 2.0, aims to improve scalability, security, and energy efficiency. Ethereum's ability to innovate and adapt has made it the leading platform for blockchain-based applications and services.


The creation of Bitcoin paved the way for the development of a large, diverse and dynamic cryptocurrency ecosystem. While numerous altcoins have introduced new technologies and use cases, Bitcoin's foundational role and continued dominance emphasise its importance. As the cryptocurrency market evolves, Bitcoin remains a central figure influencing trends and driving innovation.


Q: How is Bitcoin different from other cryptocurrencies?

A: Bitcoin differs from other cryptocurrencies in several ways such as its origin, core characteristics, economic principles and market dominance. Despite the emergence of numerous altcoins with unique functionality, Bitcoin remains the pioneer and most recognised cryptocurrency.

Q: What are the key features of Bitcoin?

A: The main features of Bitcoin are decentralisation, a fixed supply limited to 21 million coins and a proof-of-work consensus mechanism. These characteristics are security, scarcity, and resistance to censorship.

Q: What economic principles is Bitcoin based on?

A: Bitcoin operates according to sound money principles such as scarcity, durability, divisibility and portability. Its fixed supply and decentralised nature make it an attractive alternative to traditional fiat currencies.

Q: What is Bitcoin's market position compared to other cryptocurrencies?

A: Bitcoin maintains its position as the leading cryptocurrency in terms of market capitalisation and recognisability. Its dominance affects the overall performance of the cryptocurrency market.

Q: Besides Bitcoin, what are the top altcoins?

A: Leading altcoins include Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Polygon and Bitcoin Cash. These altcoins offer unique features such as smart contracts, faster transaction times, increased privacy, and more.