Altcoin

An “Altcoin” refers to any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin. The term is derived from “alternative coin,” indicating that these coins serve as alternatives to Bitcoin, which was the first and is the most well-known cryptocurrency. Altcoins can encompass a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, including those that aim to improve upon Bitcoin’s features or offer entirely new functionalities. They can differ significantly in terms of technology, purpose, and market capitalization. Examples of popular altcoins include Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Cardano. Some altcoins are designed for specific applications, such as smart contracts or decentralized finance (DeFi), while others may focus on privacy or scalability. The altcoin market can be highly volatile and offers many opportunities for investment, but it also carries significant risks.