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Cryptocurrency vs. Bitcoin 101: Knowledge About Crypto Basics

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Written By Ameliya Lanne
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Approved By Ameliya Lanne
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Published On 13th Sep, 2024
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Let’s explore the difference from the guide for cryptocurrency vs Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency is a broad concept that refers to digital and virtual currencies. Bitcoin, which is a type of cryptocurrency, is considered as a king in the cryptocurrency world because it is the first digital currency. Although most people are attracted towards cryptocurrencies and bitcoin, that is why it is important to know the differences between these two. So in this blog, we will know what is the difference between cryptocurrency and bitcoin and which currency should you choose. Everything is explained in very simple words.

What is Cryptocurrency?

what-is-cryptocurrency

Understanding what cryptocurrency is. So today, we will learn that cryptocurrency is a digital currency which uses blockchain technology and cryptography for secure transactions. Unlike traditional currency which is passed through the government, cryptocurrency does not involve the government, meaning no authorities can control it.

Few simple facts about cryptocurrency:

Digital Currency: Where can you find cryptocurrencies? Being a digital currency, it can only be found electronically. No physical coins and notes exist in crypto.

Cryptography: Cryptography is used for secure and safe transactions in cryptocurrency and also to control new units.

Blockchain Technology: Most cryptocurrency uses blockchain technology. It is a decentralized ledger that records users transactions and makes recording stable so that no changes can be made to them. With the help of which users get trust for their transactions.

What is Bitcoin?

what-is-bitcoin

Bitcoin itself is a very large and popular cryptocurrency which was introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. Even today, despite there being so many cryptocurrencies in the market, Bitcoin still has the highest value.

Some known facts about Bitcoin:

Pioneer of Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and laid the foundation for all others that followed. It introduced blockchain technology as a way to decentralize financial transactions and eliminate the need for intermediaries like banks.

Limited Supply: One of the defining features of Bitcoin is its limited supply. There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins in existence, making it scarce like gold. This is one difference between cryptocurrency and Bitcoin.

Store of Value: Many people view Bitcoin as a store of value, like digital gold. Because of its limited supply and increasing demand, Bitcoin has become an attractive option for investors looking for long-term returns.

Now, let’s take a look at the advantages of these coins.

What are the Benefits of Cryptocurrency vs Bitcoin?

Decentralization: Since Bitcoin is also a cryptocurrency, both of them do not have any authority or regulatory owned them; they maintain their own identity. And it eliminates the traditional government money holders and ensures that no bank or authority has dictate its value.

Zero Transaction Fees: Transaction fees for cryptocurrency and Bitcoin holders are very low and zero, which is why many people choose them. The reason there are no transaction fees is because there are no third parties involved.

Transparent and trust: Cryptocurrency and also Bitcoin follows a decentralized network, which can be easily accessed. And all the transaction records of the user are kept safely in the blockchain. Which maintains trust and transparency in the currencies market.

What are the Differences Between Cryptocurrency & Bitcoin

cryptocurrency-vs-bitcoin

Now that we have understood the benefits of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, we are going to talk about the differences between these two.

1. Purpose

Bitcoin: Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, a way to send and receive money with the help of blockchain technology, without any bank authority. Today, it’s mostly seen as a store of value and a hedge against inflation.

Cryptocurrency: For details on cryptocurrency vs Bitcoin, we will take cryptocurrencies like TLC and Bitcoin Cash as an example. They were created as alternatives to Bitcoin. And like this many other cryptocurrencies were created with different purposes. For example, Ethereum is a cryptocurrency as well as a decentralized cloud platform. Ripple was designed for fast and low cost transactions.

2.Technology

Bitcoin: Bitcoin being the first cryptocurrency, it uses its own blockchain technology. Its mechanism, known as Proof of Work (POW), helps us to solve complex mathematical problems that come with securing transactions and networks.

Cryptocurrency: All different cryptocurrencies use different technologies to make themselves unique. Like Ethereum changed from proof of work to proof of stake. And along with this, Solana cryptocurrency uses hybrid models to improve transaction speed.

3.Values 

Bitcoin: Most of the users use Bitcoin only for the purpose of trading whose supply value is around 21 million.

Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrencies are used for many other purposes rather than trading, there are many such currencies which are used for specific things like exchange, fast transaction, and blockchain technology.

4.Work Specialty

Bitcoin: The main function of Bitcoin is to reduce the time taken for the transition and to reduce the fees incurred during it.

Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency does not focus on one function but it works on many functions like securely exchanging, making transactions without any authority control.

Which is Better Between Other Cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin?

It is very difficult to answer the question which currency is best, because the best choice for you depends on your needs and investment budget. If you want to store value then Bitcoin is the best option for you. It’s the most established, with widespread recognition and institutional support.

If you want technology according to today’s times, like fast transaction time, or in any specific case, then other types of cryptocurrency will be beneficial for you. While there are currencies like Ethereum which lead decentralized finance and smart contracts, Toncoin helps in layer-1 blockchain technology.

Tether: The Tether cryptocurrency is a continuously growing token that was launched in 2014 Which is a stablecoin.

Binance: Binance Coin is a cryptocurrency which was launched in 2017, whose job is to power the Binance Chain ecosystem.

Summary

We have known the differences between cryptocurrency and bitcoin. While Bitcoin is a very famous and first cryptocurrency, Since then, other cryptocurrencies have started and this has created a huge world of online currencies. Bitcoin is seen like a digital gold-asset, on the other side there are many cryptocurrencies which work for some specific cases like decentralized apps, fast transaction payment systems. By knowing the differences between Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, you will be able to make better decisions about which currency will be in demand for you.

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