Cryptocurrency represents a form of digital money that operates independently of centralized authorities like banks or governments, primarily existing online. The first and most prominent of these, Bitcoin, was introduced in 2008 and has since paved the way for a range of other digital currencies such as Ethereum, Tether, and Solana. These cryptocurrencies have grown as alternatives to traditional government-issued money, with each offering unique features and capabilities.
The appeal of cryptocurrencies lies in their ability to facilitate online value transfers without the need for intermediaries like banks, enabling global transactions to occur rapidly, at any time, and with minimal fees.
Unlike conventional money, cryptocurrencies are typically managed by decentralized networks of computers, rather than a central authority.