- Bitcoin (BTC): The first cryptocurrency (2009), focused on being "digital money". - Ethereum (ETH): Platform for smart contracts (automated agreements) and decentralized applications. - Others: Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), Cardano (ADA), among thousands more.
It is a public and decentralized "digital ledger" that records all transactions in chained blocks. Each block is validated by network consensus (miners or validating nodes).
Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual money that uses advanced technology (such as cryptography and blockchain) to ensure security, transparency, and operate without relying on a central authority. They were created as a decentralized alternative to the traditional financial system.