$LTC

Litecoin (LTC), created in 2011 by Charlie Lee, is a cryptocurrency designed as a "light" alternative to Bitcoin (BTC). Known as "the silver to Bitcoin's gold," LTC aims to facilitate fast and low-cost transactions, positioning itself as a means of exchange in the crypto ecosystem.

**Technical Features**

- **Speed and Scalability**: Block every 2.5 minutes (vs. 10 min for Bitcoin), allowing for faster confirmations.

- **Scrypt Algorithm**: Memory-intensive, initially for mining accessible with GPUs, although now dominated by ASICs.

- **Maximum Supply**: 84 million units (4x that of Bitcoin), with halvings every 4 years (reduction of mining rewards).

- **Innovations**: Implemented SegWit (Segregated Witness) before Bitcoin, enabling solutions like Lightning Network, and MimbleWimble (optional) for privacy.

**Use Cases and Adoption**

LTC focuses on everyday transactions and micropayments, leveraging its low fees. Although its adoption is lower than BTC, it has acceptance in businesses and platforms as an alternative means of payment. Its role as a "testing ground" for technological innovations for Bitcoin highlights its indirect influence.