$ADA Ada, the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain, was created to provide a more secure and scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications and smart contracts. Named after Ada Lovelace, a 19th-century mathematician considered the first computer programmer, Ada plays a central role in Cardano's proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Cardano aims to solve issues of sustainability, scalability, and interoperability faced by earlier blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Built on peer-reviewed academic research and developed in phases, Cardano emphasizes scientific rigor and formal methods. Ada can be used for staking, transferring value, and participating in network governance, offering a more energy-efficient and innovative blockchain experience for both users and developers.