$ADA Cardano (ADA) is a third-generation blockchain platform focused on sustainability, scalability, and interoperability. Developed by IOHK and co-founded by Charles Hoskinson, Cardano aims to provide a more balanced and secure infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Its layered architecture separates the settlement and computation layers, enhancing flexibility and security. Cardano uses a unique proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which is energy-efficient and enables greater decentralization. Unlike many blockchains, Cardano emphasizes peer-reviewed academic research to guide development. Its native token, ADA, is used for transactions, staking, and governance. With recent upgrades like smart contract support via the Alonzo hard fork, Cardano continues to expand its ecosystem and challenge Ethereum’s dominance in the dApp and DeFi space.