Discover the world beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum: altchains are rapidly gaining popularity and transforming the blockchain landscape. Will these rising stars make a mark on the crypto universe?
Discover the allure of altchains as they bring innovation and excitement to the crypto world beyond the well-known network giants.
Dazzling contenders like Polygon, Solana, Cosmos, and Avalanche are shaking things up and offering intriguing alternatives.
Dive into the realm of altchains, unearth their key differences from altcoins, and gain insight into what the future may reveal for these exhilarating networks.
What are altchains?
Dive into the captivating world of blockchains, where cryptography and continuous updates ensure a secure public ledger.
Delve more profound, and you'll discover intriguing "altchains" - unique, alternative blockchains that steer clear of the colossal Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Venturing into the captivating realm of cryptocurrencies, two shining stars emerge from the vast universe - Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Born in 2009, Bitcoin's influential blockchain is closely followed by Ethereum, whose ingenious debut occurred in 2015. Together, these two powerhouses reign supreme in the dynamic crypto cosmos.
In the thrilling crypto world, altchains emerged as innovative competitors, with Litecoin challenging Bitcoin in 2011.
The excitement intensified as Dogecoin and Ripple joined the race in 2013. But things skyrocketed when Ethereum faced scaling issues in 2017, unleashing a horde of altchains to reshape the blockchain landscape.
As the quest for greener and more agile alternatives to Ethereum intensified, the market swiftly filled the gaps.
Behold the rise of crypto innovators like BNB Smart Chain, Ripple, Cardano, Dogecoin, Polkadot, and Solana, answering the eco-conscious call!
The fierce rivalry within the crypto space fueled the evolution of Ethereum's second coming - Ethereum 2.0.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it transformed in September 2022 from a power-hungry proof-of-work to an eco-conscious proof-of-stake network, leading to light-speed transaction times while healing the planet.
What are the differences between an altchain and an altcoin?
Discover the fascinating world of altcoins, those digital treasures beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Feast your eyes on BNB, XRP, ADA, DOGE, DOT, and SOL - just a few captivating cryptocurrencies await your embrace. But beware, Bitcoin die-hards might sneer at Ethereum as another altcoin wannabe. Who knew digital currencies could be so compelling?
Discover the world of altchains - unique blockchain networks that don't just rely on cryptocurrencies to thrive.
Take Cardano, for example, where the altcoin ADA fuels its distinct, innovative blockchain. How's that for an eliciting twist on using digital currencies?
Many altcoins don't possess unique altchains but operate on an established crypto network.
Take the hugely popular SHIB - a meme coin turned primary cryptocurrency - as an example: it's an ERC-20 token that functions atop Ethereum. Plus, trading SHIB incurs Ethereum gas fees, so transactions are smoothly processed.
Discover the boundless potential of altchains, where you can trade custom cryptocurrencies and unique NFTs on thriving networks like Cardano and Solana. Unleash your creativity atop their robust blockchains.
Types of Altchains
Layer 1 protocol
Discover the captivating world of layer-1 blockchain protocols, where the mighty Bitcoin and Ethereum reign supreme.
These robust, self-reliant blockchains weave complex transactions into existence without assistance from other crypto networks.
At their core, layer-1 blockchains are fueled by the ambition of heroic miners and valiant stakers, lured by the treasure of transaction fees and shiny new tokens.
Today's most beloved altchains are layer-1 blockchain protocols, such as Cardano and Solana.
These distinguished networks offer unique solutions to pressing issues through original systems conceived from scratch.
Additionally, there is a dedicated group of altcoins born from key pre-existing blockchains like Bitcoin Cash derived from BTC or Ethereum Classic, which originated as an offshoot of ETH before its DAO attack in 2016.
While originating from the same roots, altchains and their primary chains can significantly diverge over the years.
Take the case of Ethereum, which shifted to a proof-of-stake consensus approach, whereas Ethereum Classic continued with the proof-of-work strategy.
Layer-0 protocol
Discover the fascinating world of layer-0 blockchain protocols, where multiple layer-1 blockchains seamlessly communicate within a unified crypto network, revolutionizing interconnectedness in the digital realm.
At the cutting edge of blockchain technology, layer-0 protocols, such as the renowned Polkadot, are revolutionizing the space by empowering the creation of multiple interoperable and dynamically interacting blockchains concurrently.
Layer-2 protocols and sidechains
Imagine a captivating world where advanced layer-2 blockchain solutions seamlessly run alongside or atop their layer-1 counterparts, forming an intricate web of layered protocols.
These exciting layer-2 innovations come in various tantalizing forms, all striving to elevate the capabilities of the foundational layer-1.
Among their many feats, they can ingeniously enable a dazzling array of off-chain transactions, opening up a new realm of possibilities and pushing the boundaries of scalability.
This is the brave new world of blockchain technology, where layers upon layers coexist harmoniously, driving us toward unprecedented horizons.
Dive into the fascinating world of Ethereum scaling, where solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon reign supreme, operating as layer-2 marvels.
Intricately built atop Ethereum's network, they cleverly leverage the power and assurance of the underlying layer-1 protocol.
Venture beyond the conventional and explore the mysterious realm of sidechains - an alternate universe of scaling possibilities.
Imagine a parallel universe of blockchains known as sidechains, tethered to the main chain yet possessing their own security fortress and decision-making powers.
By transferring funds into this alternate realm, users can unleash a world of free trade, alleviating the burden on the primary blockchain. However, beware, for venturing into the realm of sidechains may prove riskier than remaining in the secure embrace of the main chain.
How to use altchains
Set up a wallet
Experience the familiar ease of Bitcoin and Ethereum with altchains! Establish a wallet that grants you the power to store, transfer, and receive tokens, ultimately enabling you to engage with the altchain universe effortlessly.
Discover the remarkable versatility of Exodus Wallet and Coinbase Wallet, a dynamic duo unrivaled in their ability to seamlessly navigate and engage with an impressive assortment of eminent altchains across the vast blockchain universe.
Using altchains to buy crypto
Discover the world of altchain-based cryptocurrencies (altcoins) through two unique pathways.
Embrace the convenience of centralized exchanges like Binance, where you can effortlessly convert your fiat currency into cutting-edge cryptocurrency at the most competitive fees. Unveil limitless opportunities in the dynamic world of digital assets.
Experience the seamless conversion of fiat currency to cryptocurrency with leading crypto wallets. Instantly acquire your desired crypto sans the need for a centralized exchange. Delight in the effortless financial transformation today.
Discovering the captivating world of cryptocurrency often comes with a catch - the seemingly inescapable Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
This necessary cost of entry usually entails sharing personal information with fiat-to-crypto payment service providers.
While embarking on this journey, be prepared for the possibility of higher fees than what you'd find at a centralized exchange. So, tread thoughtfully as you unlock the door to the enthralling realm of digital currencies.
Using altchains to interact with the blockchain
Crypto and DApps have come together to offer users unprecedented engagement. Through a quick, secure connection from any device, individuals can now send crypto or access various blockchain-powered applications - allowing for new avenues of exploration.
Discover the captivating realm of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms, offering the opportunity to secure profitable returns on your cryptocurrency.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in blockchain-based gaming adventures, employing crypto prowess to elevate your in-game experiences.
Using blockchain explorers
Dive into the captivating world of altchains, where tools such as Cardano Explorer and Solana Explorer offer a thrilling gateway to the ongoing transactions on their respective blockchains.
Join the adventure, as these platforms empower anyone to watch the pulsating pulse of the altchain networks.
Keep your crypto safe
It's essential to note that some obscure altchains may need more robust security measures than their renowned counterparts.
In the thrilling world of DApps, stay ever-vigilant and meticulously verify each website's URL thrice.
Devious cyber scoundrels cunningly masquerade as reputable DApps through uncannily similar URLs, hunting for your precious crypto wallet details. Remain astutely cautious, and don't fall into their traps.
Investing in a cold wallet is highly recommended, as it ensures the ultimate security for your digital assets.
By isolating your private keys from the online world, you can consistently prevent cyber criminals from accessing and stealing your valuable cryptocurrencies.
The future of altchains
The fascinating expansion of cryptocurrency paves the way for vibrant and intuitive altchains, potentially becoming the future playground for prominent decentralized applications, revolutionizing digital networks.
Dive into the fascinating realm of the Flow blockchain, home to the exhilarating NBA's TopShot NFT trading platform and its equally enthralling NFL and UFC counterparts.
As all three have garnered immense triumph, mastering the underlying altchain is essential for users eager to engage with these captivating applications.
In the ever-evolving realm of cryptocurrencies, an expansive universe of alternative networks seeks to compete with dominant forces like Ethereum and Bitcoin.
While it's improbable for these myriad altchains to each hold unique market niches or consolidate into a formidable rival, their perpetual challenges fortify the pool of reliable networks, propelling the blockchain ecosystem towards even greater heights.
