What is the difference between airdrop and ICO?

In the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based finance, two terms that often come up are airdrop and Initial Coin Offering (ICO). But what exactly is the difference between these two concepts? An airdrop typically refers to the distribution of free tokens or coins to wallet addresses as a marketing strategy or to reward community members. This can be done for various reasons, including promoting a new project, incentivizing early adoption, or building a loyal user base. In contrast, an ICO is a means of fundraising where a new project sells its tokens or coins to investors in a public offering, often with the promise of future profits or usage rights. ICOs can be seen as a way for blockchain-based projects to raise capital to further develop their technology or product. Understanding the differences between airdrops and ICOs is crucial for investors and enthusiasts alike to make informed decisions in the crypto space.