What is a cryptocurrency (virtual currency)

What is a cryptocurrency (virtual currency)

What is a cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a type of virtual currency. It uses a network of individual users’ computers to provide part of the performance of their Internet-connected computer. Mainly for both production and payment transactions. Virtual currency, in this case, means that cryptocurrency units exist as writes in computer memory, not as banknotes or coins. The above network usually has a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Litecoin, etc.) network.

Cryptocurrency network

Each cryptocurrency has its payment network. There, you can extract the cryptocurrency (ie, create additional currency units) or only pay with a cryptocurrency in this network. In other words, convert the currency from your account (addresses created for this purpose) to another account (another address). Cryptocurrency networks usually have publicly available source code. You connect to the network by installing a unique program or a purse for payments. If you want to be a miner, you do it installing other mining programs.

Decentralization and security

In the cryptocurrency network, there is no central server to control payments on the web. Miners provide the transaction confirmation (currency conversion) as a by-product of mining. If the payment transaction is committed, the confirmation information is copied to all computers on the network. Therefore, it is difficult to falsify the transaction. At the same time, the failure of a smaller number of computers does not matter. The existence of a transaction confirmation entry allows any user to find out the transaction history of another user’s account. But just if he or she knows his or her address (account). The security of cryptocurrency transactions is mostly based and dependent on a true decentralization of currency confirmation. Meaning, a confirmation from many low-performance computers. Thus, there may be a risk of both “performance bottlenecks” and the future development of high-performance (eg, quantum) computers.

Algorithm of cryptocurrency creation

MINING OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES

A mathematical algorithm predetermines the creation of new cryptocurrency units. The algorithm ensures both the final number of currency units and the rate of production (extraction) of new units. Consequently, unlike conventional currencies subject to central banks, new currency units cannot be created suddenly and purposefully. Nor can the currency value be manipulated centrally.

Cryptocurrency account 

PURCHASE OF CRYPTOCURRENCIES

To buy a cryptocurrency (eg, on a stock exchange) and then pay with it in a cryptocurrency network, you need to install a so-called cryptocurrency (eg, Bitcoin) wallet for a particular currency. It is a computer program that connects your computer to the computers of other users of the cryptocurrency. You can only access it with a key (password). You create an account in your wallet – a unique address where other users can send you digital currency.

An address is a string of characters that, like a classic bank account, does not contain any personal information. You can generate multiple accounts (addresses). Anonymity also has its negative side. Only the address owner knows the link between an address and a person. Consequently, if you can not find the key to your wallet, you will lose your cryptocurrency. Anonymous money transfers are easy to use to finance illegal activities, such as terrorism.

Payments for transactions

Usually, you do not have to pay a fee for a payment transaction. However, with a small fee, you can motivate the miners to verify your transaction faster. Once the final number of units has been extracted, a standard low payment per transaction is assumed.

Basic properties of cryptocurrency are:

  • Decentralization – payment transaction is secured and verified by an extensive network of individual computers. The currency is not dependent on the central authority or controlled by the central authority (bank, state, etc.)
  • Worldwide and unlimited scope – the transaction depends only on the Internet connection and the functionality of the cryptocurrency network
  • Security and transparency – secure encryption ensures relative security against hackers, including all transactions in a shared history of transparency
  • Anonymity – no personal information is provided with a payment transaction; only the account owner knows the link between the account and the person.
  • Low or no transaction fees – network usage costs are primarily covered by mining remuneration (until its final amount)
  • The transaction is irrevocable – if your transaction qualifies for confirmation, it is irreversible.

Some of the above properties have relative or temporary validity; some of them lose importance since the first cryptocurrencies occurred.

Leading cryptocurrencies

There are thousands of different cryptocurrencies, and only a few have succeeded. New cryptocurrencies are still emerging, and many banks are currently introducing their cryptocurrencies. Some groups of cryptocurrencies differ only minimally.

The leading cryptocurrencies (bitcoins) can already be considered as a full-fledged alternative to the standard currency. They can be paid for in some physical and online stores, and the number of these stores continues to grow. The price of cryptocurrencies depends on many factors. From investor interest to mining costs and the willingness of stock exchanges and markets to exchange currency. In general, cryptocurrencies are a financial instrument with extremely high volatility.

Purchase of cryptocurrencies, sale of cryptocurrencies, stock exchanges and exchange offices

Cryptocurrencies have been a hit in recent years, and the interest in buying and selling cryptocurrencies has increased significantly. Trading and exchanges take place through stock exchanges and exchange offices, or direct trading or in cryptocurrency ATMs. So, how do you buy a cryptocurrency if you are interested in it?

Firstly, you need to separately buy a virtual currency wallet for each cryptocurrency. Then, that is where you will store your coins after purchase, and there plenty of possibilities. You can create such a wallet yourself by installing special software (for free). Also, you can use a wallet mediated by a company, just like a bank account.

Secondly, this procedure is more straightforward. For safety, you must carefully select the company. Most cryptocurrency exchanges also offer wallets.

Cryptocurrency exchanges

The cryptocurrency exchange, just like stock exchanges, mediate trade between buyers and buyers according to their designated requirements. For example, quantity, price, speed of trade, etc. The brokerage company charges fees for mediation of trade (usually up to 1% of the transaction). Often these are foreign exchanges, and the traditional currency is, therefore, a dollar or euro. Still, there are also a more significant number of transactions where you can pay in other currencies.

Purchase in currency exchange cryptocurrencies

Buying and selling through exchange offices is easier than exchanges. Exchange rates determine the currency exchange cryptocurrency based on the virtual currency mentioned above trades. The stock price have an adjust usually slightly direct for profit. Compared to the exchange, the exchange office is more accessible. Also, it is more expensive (as in the case of traditional currencies).

Purchase and sale of cryptocurrency derivatives, further CFD trading

You can capitalize on the growth but also the decline in the virtual currency. Even without the real ownership of the cryptocurrency. This by using the CFD, which some trading platforms offer.

Purchase in cryptocurrency ATMs

These are, in fact, automated exchange offices between cash and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Litecoin, etc). The vending machine is connected to the stock exchange of the digital currency. It buys and sells it for the customer.

Purchase of cryptocurrencies

A machine with a printer can generate a paper wallet on-site. You can send bitcoins in an encrypted file to the customer’s e-mail. Also, you can have the QR code of your cryptocurrency wallet stored on your phone or printed on paper. Among other things, the vending machine offers links for installing verified wallets on a mobile phone.

You can follow cryptocurrency prices right here.

Sale of cryptocurrencies

In this case, the vending machine has to be visited twice. One for entering the payment order and then for cash withdrawal. This is given by the cryptocurrency properties. The cryptocurrency network must first verify the customer’s payment before the transaction can be traded.

1) Cryptocurrency exchanges and exchange offices

Trading in cryptocurrencies takes place through exchanges and exchange offices. Also in direct trading or in cryptocurrency ATMs. You can trade virtual currencies using CFD (contract for difference), usually with forex brokers. Unlike traditional currencies, the cryptocurrency market is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you already own a cryptocurrency, you can also pay and sell in cryptocurrencies on cryptocurrency exchanges and exchange offices. Usually, it is bitcoin, ethereum, or tether. This last one is a dollar-backed currency. It was created to facilitate the conversion between traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies. Its trade can only take place in cryptocurrencies.

2) Bitcoin ATMs

Bitcoin ATMs are automated exchange offices between cash and cryptocurrency (eg, between Euro and Bitcoin or other Altcoins). The vending machine is connected to the cryptocurrency exchange trading bitcoins and buys and sells it for the client.

Mining of cryptocurrencies how to mine cryptocurrencies

What is cryptocurrency mining?

Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other virtual currencies are created by mining. It is a calculation of a mathematical problem. A successful miner (cryptographic miner) receives a certain amount of coins of a given virtual currency. When extracting cryptocurrencies, the payment transactions that take place in the cryptocurrency network are also checked and confirmed.

The logger (or its mining software) selects a certain number of pending payment transactions into a so-called block. The necessary criterion for including (or not including) a deal in a block is the fee that users offered. Mainly when entering the trade. To confirm it, the miners selects the fee transactions.

The solution to a mathematical task is usually to find a value depending on hashing functions. Also, grouped payment transactions, and the so-called current limit. Due to the hash function, the possibility of finding the right solution is random. Consequently, it depends on the performance of the hardware seeking the solution, not on the mathematical abilities of the miner. The limit is updated to find the resolution of the currently solved blocks in the whole network. On average, once in a specific time interval (eg, once in 20 minutes). So, the chance of finding a solution is inversely proportional to the current network performance.

A hash function is a function that creates a small number from any input data. They transfer the original data into a hash. It is difficult to find the original input data from the resulting hash. And cryptocurrency miners have the task of finding just the input data. The resulting hash will be lower than the current limit.

Solution

The mining program adjusts the input data, sows, and compares it with the border. If the hash result is higher than the limit, the loop repeats. This by using a hash function in a fast and straightforward operation. Still, anyone could repeat the cycle one or a trillion times. Maybe until the cryptocurrency miner reaches the input data that meets the required condition. Mainly because it is impossible to estimate how the input data needs to be adjusted for the correct result. The higher the machine’s performance, the more seams, and adjustments it can make per unit of time. Therefore, higher chance of finding a quick solution.

Each new block refers to the previous block. Resolving the mining task contains confirmation that the payment transactions are correct. Including the resolved block and the blocks preceding it. The miner who first finds the result will receive fees from the transactions included in the last block. As well, a reward for confirming the previous block. Mining remuneration usually decreases once every time. For example, at Bitcoin, after every 210000 blocks. Approximately every four years, the reward goes through halving (most recently from 25 BTC to 12.5 BTC, in July 2016).

The solved (or extracted) block is connected to the so-called blockchain. This is a chain of blocks. It shows the continuity of individual payment transactions. Subsequently, it goes to users of the cryptocurrency network. It does not happen that the sponsor is transferring coins that he has not previously acquired. After confirmation, the other miners will terminate the extraction of the cryptocurrency. Then, they group it to resolve the latest transaction. Mainly because their original transactions may have been part of the newly block after mining. Therefore, it is no longer usable for mining.

Mining pools and data centers

As mentioned above, block resolution is a random process. This means that earnings are difficult to predict with less machine power. Therefore, miners have groups of mining pools. If a miner finds a block in the pool, the mining reward goes to all the miners. In a mining group, a miner usually receives a relatively small amount several times a day. It also pays pool managers a percentage of earnings.

Types of pools

The types of pools can be divided according to the currency being mined. In groups that only extract one currency and to the multi-pool. Here it is where you can switch mining from currency to currency. Pools are also divisible by the reward calculation. Currently, it exist large mineral factories with a large number of computers for mining. The location of factories depends mainly on the energy price of the site (China, Venezuela, etc.)

Method of mining

In the beginning, it was mined through computer processors, later through graphics cards. Still, today a large part of cryptocurrencies use powerful ASIC chips. This are specialized high-speed hardware. Their main purpose is for solving cryptographic tasks for energy consumption. Return on individual mining, respectively. The pooling of individual miners depends on particular cryptocurrency. For example, it can not recommend Bitcoin. This because the competition is vast, with less popular currencies. Therefore, there is probably room for such extraction. Generally, cryptographic mining is currently a costly and expensive investment with uncertain returns.

If you want to know more about virtual currencies, go right here.