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Other than Bitcoin, here are the top ten most important cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin has not only been a trendsetter, ushering in a wave of cryptocurrencies based on a decentralized peer-to-peer network, but it has also become the de facto standard for cryptocurrencies, encouraging a slew of followers and spinoffs.
What Are Cryptocurrencies?
Before delving deeper into some of these Bitcoin alternatives, let’s take a step back and define concepts like cryptocurrency and altcoin. A cryptocurrency, in general terms, is virtual or digital money in the form of tokens or “coins.” While some cryptocurrencies have entered the actual world through credit cards or other schemes, the vast majority remain completely intangible.
The term “crypto” refers to the complex encryption that enables the creation and processing of digital currency and their transactions across decentralized platforms. Along with this crucial “crypto” trait, these currencies all share a dedication to decentralization; cryptocurrencies are often developed as code by teams that include methods for issuance (often, but not always, through a process known as mining) and other regulations.
Cryptocurrencies are nearly always supposed to be free of government manipulation and control — though, as the sector has risen in popularity, this fundamental…
