What is a cryptocurrency and how does it work?

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that rely on an encrypted network to execute, verify, and record transactions, independent of a centralized authority such as a government or bank. Cryptocurrency was developed as an alternative to the dollar, and its functions can make it an attractive investment.

What is crypto mining and how does it work?

This is where individuals or groups (miners) use expensive computers that race to solve complicated cryptographic puzzles to verify bundles of transaction records (blocks) to the ledger. Miners get rewarded for their efforts, which is how new coins get created.

What does it mean to burn crypto?

“Burning” crypto means permanently removing a number of tokens from circulation. This is typically done by transferring the tokens in question to a burn address, i.e. a wallet from which they cannot ever be retrieved. This is often described as destroying tokens. A project burns its tokens to reduce the overall supply.

What was the first cryptocurrency?

Bitcoin was the first, but thousands more have come. In the past few years, thousands of new cryptocurrencies have appeared, all claiming to offer something a little different. Bitcoin was the first, and its value famously rose to around $20,000 in late 2017, then crashed more than 60% in early 2018.