A Cryptocurrency is simply a kind of virtual currency that operates with digital rather than physical files. Typically, the digital documents are produced using the very same techniques as cryptography (the art of concealing information). The key to the operation of a Cryptocurrency is its underlying code. The management of every Cryptocurrency operates via a decentralized ledger (a record of all transactions agreed upon by all participants in the system), typically a block chain. It is called ” Cryptocurrency” because it operates on digital rather than paper-based records…
What is Cryptocurrency? In general, a Cryptocurrency is any virtual asset that is generally traded online, but can also be traded offline with some private companies. Most commonly, Cryptocurrences are used as payment systems on online marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon. Other examples of Cryptocurrencies include Forex and Digital Goods. However, Cryptocurrency is not governed by any central agency or regulator. Although some countries, like the United States, have issued laws regarding the handling and transfer of Cryptocurrencies, these laws are not considered obligations by any governmental authority.
So, how do we know if a Cryptocurrency is money? Just as cash is defined in our dictionaries by the word “monies”, the underlying principle behind the operation of Cryptocurrency is the principle of Fiat. If you were to transact in “real” currency, you would be buying or selling something that is worth the amount of money that you are holding in your virtual wallet – essentially, you would be spending your money. In the case of Cryptocurrency, however, you are not spending your money, but rather, you are “holding” the value of it, since the value of anything virtual is derived from the value of everything real, which is a function of demand and supply.
So, when you transact in a Cryptocurrency, you are not spending your money, you are instead, borrowing it from others. Again, this is a fundamental difference from conventional money and it has many implications for both the issuer of the Cryptocurrency and for the users of the Cryptocurrency. With a conventional coin, there are inherent risks in that the value of the coin may decrease (due to government intervention or inflation) – therefore, the holder of the coin must hold onto his investment to ensure that his investment does not lose value. On the other hand, since Cryptocurrency never has to face these risks, its value is entirely independent of the economy. This means that a Cryptocurrency can safely be traded without worrying that the value of your investment will decline due to economic forces.
The ease of use and low costs associated with investing in Cryptocurrency are perhaps the most appealing factors for the everyday investor. Because the principal function of Cryptocurrency is to facilitate easy access to global markets, investors can invest in Cryptocurrences without having to worry about having to understand financial terms or currency pairs. They can also invest in Cryptocurrences that have instant liquidity and low transaction costs as well as instant confirmation of trades. All of these factors make investing in Cryptocurrences extremely attractive to everyday consumers.
With all of these advantages offered to consumers, the future of the cryptocurrences looks strong. As the Internet grows and becomes even more prevalent throughout the world, the ease of use provided by Cryptocurrency will increase as well. As the average citizen continues to embrace the Internet, investing in Cryptocurrency will become even easier for them. In turn, this will provide the backbone for more widespread use of the cryptocurrences worldwide. This means that the future for the cryptocurrences looks extremely bright indeed.