While Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an anonymous person (or group) known as Satoshi Nakamoto, there are thousands of other cryptocurrencies available today. Some of the most notable ones include:

- **Ethereum (ETH)**: Known for its smart contract functionality, enabling decentralized applications (dApps) to operate on its blockchain.
- **Ripple (XRP)**: Aimed at facilitating real-time cross-border payment systems.
- **Litecoin (LTC)**: Created as the “silver” to Bitcoin’s “gold,” it offers faster transaction times and a different hashing algorithm.
- **Cardano (ADA)**: Focused on sustainability and scalability, with a research-driven approach to development.#bitcoin