Cardano (ADA) is a decentralized blockchain platform that focuses on sustainability, scalability, and innovation through a research-driven approach. Developed by IOHK and co-founded by Charles Hoskinson, ADA aims to provide a secure and scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications and smart contracts. Unlike many other blockchains, Cardano utilizes a proof-of-stake consensus algorithm called Ouroboros, which is energy-efficient and supports high transaction throughput. The network is built in multiple layers, separating the ledger of values from smart contracts, ensuring better security and flexibility. ADA, the native token, is used for transactions, staking, and governance within the ecosystem. With ongoing developments like Hydra for scalability and increased adoption in regions like Africa, Cardano continues to be a prominent contender in the blockchain space.
