Are you wondering where cryptocurrencies come from? Let me explain it quickly!
* Mining (Proof of Work): Think of powerful computers solving complex puzzles. By finding the solution, they "mine" a new block of transactions and, as a reward, receive new cryptocurrencies. This is how Bitcoin was born. It is secure, but consumes a lot of energy.
* Staking (Proof of Stake): This alternative is more efficient. Instead of mining, users "stake" their existing coins. The network randomly selects one of these "stakers" to validate transactions and create new blocks. The chosen one receives newly generated coins or fees. Ethereum uses this method.
* Initial Launch (Pre-mined/ICO/IDO): Many new projects create a certain amount of coins before the network is fully operational. These are distributed to fund development, sold to investors (in an ICO or IDO), or allocated to the team.
* Forks: Sometimes, a community cannot agree on a change in an existing cryptocurrency. If the division is large, they may create a new version of the blockchain and, with it, a new cryptocurrency.
In summary, cryptocurrencies are born through processes defined by their protocol, whether by the computational work of mining, the staking of existing coins, a predefined initial creation, or even a "fork" of an already existing chain.
