Category: Cryptocurrency News

Cryptocurrency News and Public Mining Pools

WHAT IS XRP LEDGER (XRP)?

XRP Ledger, created by Ripple Labs Inc., is an open-source blockchain technology and digital asset. This means that developers can contribute to its development and enhance its functionality. XRP serves as the native cryptocurrency of the XRP Ledger and is the commonly recognized name for it. The XRP Ledger is purposefully designed to enable swift, cost-effective, and secure transactions. It functions as a distributed ledger, where transaction records are stored across a network of validators, which are participating computers, ensuring the integrity of the ledger. XRP has garnered significant recognition for its ability to facilitate expeditious and streamlined cross-border payments. Its primary objective is to enhance liquidity and establish connections between diverse currencies, enabling seamless value transfers for both financial institutions and individuals across international borders. Ripple, the entity responsible for XRP, has forged partnerships with numerous financial institutions to investigate the potential of XRP in the realms of remittances and international settlements. It is imperative to emphasize that although XRP is commonly linked with Ripple, the XRP Ledger functions autonomously, separate from the company. XRP can be exchanged on different cryptocurrency platforms and stored in digital wallets that are compatible with the XRP Ledger. Related Reading: What Is Kaspa (KAS) Blockchain? Additionally, there is a diverse range of cryptocurrency exchanges that support the XRP Ledger (XRP) for individuals interested in buying, selling, or trading XRP. Some notable examples include Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, BitStamp, Huobi, and more. Founders Of XRP Ledger (XRP) In early 2011, developers David Schwartz, Jed McCaleb, and Arthur Britto were intrigued by Bitcoin but concerned about its energy consumption and scalability issues. They aimed to create a more sustainable system for value transfer. Their predictions about Bitcoin’s energy usage were proven right when estimates revealed that Bitcoin mining consumed more energy than Portugal in 2019. They also foresaw the risks of one miner or collusion of miners gaining over 50% of the mining power, which remains a concern today as mining power concentrates in China. Undeterred, the developers continued their work and created a distributed ledger called Ripple, with a digital asset initially called “ripples” (later referred to as XRP). The name Ripple encompassed the open-source project, the unique consensus ledger (Ripple Consensus Ledger), the transaction protocol (Ripple Transaction Protocol or RTXP), the network, and the digital asset.  To eliminate confusion, the community started referring to the digital asset as “XRP.” By June 2012, Schwartz, McCaleb, and Britto completed the code development and finalized the Ledger. How XRP Ledger (XRP) Works The XRP Ledger represents a pioneering blockchain technology that places a strong emphasis on scalability and interoperability. This focus enables the ledger to offer a wide array of possibilities for diverse applications that surpass the realms of traditional financial systems. Related Reading: Solana Meme Coin Season: A Guide to Buying, Trading, And Profiting From SOL Tokens By demonstrating the capacity to handle substantial transaction volumes and foster seamless connectivity among different assets, the XRP Ledger stands poised to bring about a revolution across multiple industries and ignite innovation. Its scalable and interoperable nature creates opportunities for novel use cases and transformative solutions within the blockchain ecosystem.  Prominent Features Of XRP Ledger Consensus Ledger Functioning as a distributed and decentralized ledger, the XRP Ledger stores the transaction history across an independent network of validators. Every validator preserves a copy of the ledger, and transactions undergo validation and agreement via the consensus algorithm. This approach ensures that the ledger’s transaction history is securely stored and that transactions are verified and approved through a collaborative process among validators. By employing this distributed and decentralized framework, the XRP Ledger establishes a reliable and transparent system for recording and validating transactions. Gateways and Interoperability The XRP Ledger enables the establishment of gateways, which are entities responsible for issuing and redeeming assets on the ledger. These gateways play a crucial role in bridging various currencies and assets, fostering seamless interoperability across different financial systems. By facilitating the transfer and exchange of diverse assets, the gateways enhance the connectivity and compatibility between different forms of value representation. This feature of the XRP Ledger promotes greater efficiency and accessibility in cross-border transactions and opens up opportunities for enhanced liquidity and streamlined financial operations. Transaction Speed and Scalability Engineered with scalability and rapid transaction settlement in mind, the XRP Ledger (XRP) is adept at processing a substantial number of transactions per second. With the capability to settle transactions within a matter of seconds, the ledger is well-suited for a wide range of use cases that demand swift and efficient transaction execution. Related Reading: How To Mint BRC-20 Tokens On The Bitcoin Network Its high scalability and speedy transaction settlement empower businesses and individuals alike to conduct seamless and timely transactions, fostering enhanced productivity and responsiveness in various applications and industries. Consensus Algorithm Within the XRP Ledger, a distinctive consensus algorithm known as the Ripple Protocol Consensus Algorithm (RPCA) is employed. Diverging from conventional proof-of-work (PoW) or proof-of-stake (PoS) algorithms, RPCA relies on a group of trusted validators to authenticate and validate transactions. These validators assume the crucial role of collectively establishing consensus regarding the sequence and legitimacy of transactions on the network. By leveraging this innovative consensus mechanism, the XRP Ledger ensures the integrity and reliability of its transaction validation process, providing a secure and efficient environment for conducting business. Native Cryptocurrency (XRP) XRP operates as the inherent digital currency of the XRP Ledger, serving multiple purposes, such as facilitating transactions, offering liquidity, and bridging diverse currencies. As a medium of value exchange, XRP can be transferred between various entities on the XRP Ledger, enabling seamless transactions and facilitating the exchange of value. This versatile cryptocurrency plays a vital role in supporting the functionality and efficiency of the XRP Ledger ecosystem. The Impact Of XRP On The Financial Industry Undoubtedly, the XRP Ledger, along with its native currency XRP, has made a notable impact on the financial industry, bringing forth a range of positive innovations across various important aspects such as: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) The XRP Ledger’s utilization of smart contracts and tokenization creates possibilities for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, paving the way for the development of groundbreaking financial services like lending, borrowing, and decentralized exchanges. With its rapid and scalable nature, the XRP Ledger provides an ideal foundation for constructing DeFi applications, potentially extending financial services to underserved communities and diminishing dependence on conventional intermediaries. Asset Tokenization The capacity of the XRP Ledger to tokenize tangible assets like real estate, art, and commodities has the potential to unleash liquidity for assets that have historically lacked it. Through the representation of these assets as digital tokens on the ledger, fractional ownership becomes feasible, enabling enhanced accessibility and transferability. This breakthrough can introduce fresh investment prospects and enhance market efficiency. Cross-Border Payments The swift transaction settlement and economical fees offered by the XRP Ledger make it an attractive choice for cross-border payments. Its efficient currency-bridging capabilities simplify and expedite international transactions, potentially reducing expenses and enhancing liquidity for financial institutions. This can result in expedited and cost-effective remittances, benefiting both businesses and individuals. Liquidity and Market Efficiency The XRP Ledger’s utilization of XRP as a bridge currency and liquidity tool has the potential to bolster market efficiency and enhance liquidity for diverse assets. By enabling seamless value exchange across different currencies, the XRP Ledger contributes to improved market liquidity, simplifying the process of buying, selling, and trading assets for users. This heightened liquidity has the capacity to foster more efficient markets and enhance the process of price discovery. Related Reading: How To Create And Mint Your Own NFTs On The Ethereum Network XRP Distribution And Price Dynamics  The distribution of XRP tokens by Ripple Labs is a nuanced process that goes beyond a simple monthly release schedule. Currently, the majority of XRP is held in 16 escrow contracts, and their release is influenced by multiple factors, such as market conditions and ecosystem adoption. The original 55-month distribution projection was an estimate, and Ripple has the ability to adjust the pace based on their assessment. Certainly, this distribution strategy impacts the price of XRP. A significant influx of XRP could potentially exert downward pressure on its value. However, attributing price fluctuations solely to this factor would be narrow-minded. The overall market sentiment towards cryptocurrencies, demand from financial institutions, regulatory developments, and news related to Ripple all contribute significantly. To truly understand the price action of XRP, a comprehensive analysis of these intertwined factors is necessary, recognizing the intricate interplay between Ripple’s distribution strategy and the dynamic cryptocurrency landscape. Tokenomics Of XRP Supply XRP has a fixed supply of 100 billion tokens, making it a pre-mined cryptocurrency with no possibility of additional token creation. Only a fraction of the tokens are actively traded, while 20 billion went to the founders. The distribution involves 55 smart contracts that release 1 billion tokens monthly over 55 months, resulting in a monthly increment of 1 billion tokens. The circulating supply is around 53.7 billion tokens, with the remaining held in escrow. Source: Messari on X Over 60% of the total supply is concentrated in the top 100 wallets, raising decentralization concerns. Ripple owns 6.5 billion XRP, adjusting the circulating supply to approximately 47 billion tokens. XRP exhibits a mild deflationary trend from burning fees, reducing the total supply to about 99,988,221,902 XRP. Buying XRP Coins Purchasing XRP coins can be a relatively straightforward procedure; however, the available choices cater to diverse levels of experience and comfort. Here is a breakdown of different approaches tailored to meet your specific requirements: Beginner-Friendly Exchanges Coinbase and Binance are user-friendly platforms suitable for newcomers. They provide intuitive interfaces, clear instructions, and customer support to assist users throughout the process. Related Reading: What Are The Top 8 DeFi And Web3 Wallets To Use In Crypto? Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Exchanges Platforms like Paxful are P2P exchanges that enable direct XRP purchases from other individuals. This decentralized approach offers privacy and flexibility but requires caution when evaluating counterparties and following safety measures. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)  Uniswap is an example of a DEX platform that operates on blockchains. They facilitate direct peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries, providing enhanced security and control over funds. However, using DEX platforms will require compatible wallets. Tracking Prices of XRP Ledger (XRP) To effectively track the prices of XRP Ledger (XRP), the digital asset native to the XRP Ledger, and stay up to date with its market movements and fluctuations, there are several reliable methods and platforms that you can utilize, such as widely recognized cryptocurrency tracking platforms like CoinMarketCap CoinMarketCap is a highly regarded platform for monitoring cryptocurrencies, offering extensive data on a diverse range of digital assets, such as XRP Ledger (XRP). Users can explore the XRP page on CoinMarketCap to access up-to-the-minute price updates, historical data, market trends, and other pertinent information relating to XRP. CoinMarketCap serves as a trusted resource for individuals seeking to track and analyze the performance of XRP Ledger within the global cryptocurrency market. Related Reading: How To Buy, Sell, and Trade Tokens On The Arbitrum Network Ripple Lawsuit With Securities And Exchange Commission (SEC) The Ripple vs. SEC legal dispute, which began in December 2020, has a profound impact on XRP. The SEC accuses Ripple of conducting an unregistered securities offering through XRP sales, while Ripple argues that XRP is a utility token for cross-border payments and not a security. This ongoing battle has caused turbulence for XRP, resulting in price volatility and adoption uncertainty. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for XRP and the broader cryptocurrency industry. The lawsuit has led to a hesitant market as businesses and individuals are cautious about embracing XRP due to the uncertainty surrounding its classification. The resolution will determine whether XRP’s utility as a token will prevail or if the SEC’s classification as a security will cast a long shadow over its future. As the market awaits a definitive answer, the trajectory of Ripple’s digital creation remains uncertain. Conclusion XRP Ledger (XRP) boasts an established name, a decentralized network, and lightning-fast, low-cost transactions. This has cemented its role as a preferred bridge currency for cross-border payments. Despite facing legal challenges, XRP has an impressive track record as one of the pioneering cryptocurrencies, gaining widespread adoption among major financial institutions through RippleNet. The community’s dedication and the project’s foundational strengths provide a solid basis for potential success. However, the outcome of the SEC lawsuit will be a crucial determinant in shaping the future of XRP, whether it will be positive or negative. Related Reading: How To Buy And Trade Tokens On The SEI Network Nevertheless, navigating the world of XRP necessitates careful consideration. While some may prioritize user-friendly platforms for entry, experienced traders might seek advanced features offered by decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Regardless of your experience level, remember that cryptocurrencies remain volatile, and responsible investing practices are paramount. Consider these factors, research, and choose the path that aligns with your personal financial goals and risk tolerance.

Super Bowl Squares-Cosmos Ecosystem

Super Bowl LVIII is a week away! Gelotto(GLTO) in the Cosmos ecosystem has deployed the classic football squares game. How to play: -Grab some GLTO: https://app.osmosis.zone/?from=ATOM&to=GLTO -Go to https://gelotto.io/app/games/squares?sport=football -Select which game you’d like to participate in( 3 games with different entry points ranging from a few cents to nearly $100 for high rollers!) -Choose…
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Lido DAO’s Staked Ethereum (ETH) Nears 10 Million

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Chainlink Breaks Into the Top 10 After Huge 27% Weekly Surge

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The $50K Quest: Bitcoin Oracle’s Pre-Halving Proclamation Sparks Excitement

As the eagerly awaited Bitcoin halving event approaches in April, cryptocurrency analysts are engaging in spirited discussions about the potential trajectory of the leading cryptocurrency’s price. Offering his insights, Michaël van de Poppe, the founder and CEO of MN Trading, has shared his predictions, outlining a period of consolidation before potential growth, with a particular emphasis on the anticipated outperformance of certain altcoins. Related Reading: Avalanche To Unleash 9.5 Million Tokens, Traders Brace For Impact Bullish Long-Term Outlook Amidst Short-Term Consolidation Van de Poppe envisions a phase of consolidation for Bitcoin in the upcoming months, with a suggested price range oscillating between $48,000 and $50,000 leading up to the halving event. My general theory is that #Bitcoin is consolidating in the coming months. Pre-Halving a final run towards resistance at $48-50K, after that another correction to $36-38K and from there #Altcoins to continue outperforming Bitcoin. pic.twitter.com/sYiqpg3T93 — Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) February 3, 2024 However, he cautiously warns of the possibility of a further correction, potentially driving the price down to a range of $36,000 to $38,000 before witnessing a rebound. This aligns with his previous statements expressing a keen interest in accumulating more Bitcoin within this specified range. Despite these short-term predictions of consolidation, Van de Poppe maintains a bullish stance on Bitcoin’s long-term prospects. He boldly projects a potential future price of $300,000, echoing the prevailing optimistic sentiment within the cryptocurrency market. This optimistic outlook is not unique to Van de Poppe, as other analysts also express similar enthusiasm, with price predictions ranging from $170,000 to a staggering $1 million post-halving. Bitcoin slightly below the $43K level today. Chart: TradingView.com In an intriguing twist, Van de Poppe suggests that while Bitcoin experiences this period of consolidation, certain altcoins, namely Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Ethereum (ETH), may potentially “outshine” Bitcoin. This implies an anticipation of their growth rates surpassing those of Bitcoin. Notably, Dogecoin (DOGE) has already displayed bullish momentum, seemingly validating these projections. Bitcoin Price At A Glance Bitcoin is currently trading at approximately $43,097, and its next move is crucial. If it breaks above $43,375, it might surge further, finding resistance at higher levels. On the downside, there’s a solid support around $42,940, backed by the 50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests a neutral market, hovering around 54, without a clear direction. Traders are closely watching for a potential breakout above $43,375, which could trigger a bullish rally, or a drop below $42,950, indicating a bearish trend. The market is at a pivotal point, and significant price action could follow. Related Reading: Dogecoin Orbit Expands: Over 890,000 New Addresses Join DOGE Community Traders Remain Upbeat On Much-Awaited Bull Cycle The current Bitcoin market operates within a unique landscape, shaped by the recent launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the looming halving event. While the possibility of sideways movement exists, traders remain hopeful for the initiation of the long-awaited bull cycle. As the crypto community eagerly awaits the unfolding of these predictions, the dynamics of the market continue to evolve, keeping investors on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the upcoming events. Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from TradingView

Fostering Creativity and Development: Cartesi Initiates Wave 1 of Grants Program to Empower Innovation! Exciting Opportunity for Builders

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What Is Kaspa (KAS) Blockchain?

The Kaspa (KAS) blockchain is a decentralized, open-source, and scalable Layer-1 solution often referred to as “Bitcoin 2.0” or “the next Bitcoin.” However, Kaspa is unique in its own way despite functioning very similarly to Bitcoin. Just like Bitcoin, Kaspa is a proof of work (PoW) cryptocurrency, but unlike other traditional blockchains, Kaspa implemented the GHOSTDAG protocol. This protocol is unique in the fact that it does not have orphan blocks created in parallel. Rather, it allows them to coexist and orders them in consensus. This makes Kaspa the first of its kind to do this, with the blockDAG (Block Directed Acyclic Graph) protocol being a generalization of Nakamoto’s consensus. The Founder And The Team Behind The Kaspa (KAS) Network The founder of Kaspa is Yonatan Sompolinsky, a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Havard University and a member of the Maximal extractable value (MEV) research team. He was also in Ethereum’s whitepaper and rumored to be in Ripple’s whitepaper as well. Related Reading: How To Buy And Trade BRC-20 Tokens On The Bitcoin Network Sompolinsky had direct input in creating Ethereum’s technology design, having designed the GHOSTDAG protocol earlier. Interestingly, the founder’s 2013 paper on the GHOSTDAG protocol is cited in Ethereum’s whitepaper. The development team is made up of very talented individuals such as Cryptography Researcher Elichai Turkel, Doctoral student Shai Wyborski, Developer Ori Newman, Master of Computer Science Michael Sutton, and Developer Mike Zak. They have all contributed to the implementation and ongoing development of the Kaspa blockchain network. Differences And Similarities Between Kaspa (KAS) And Bitcoin (BTC) At the very base of its technology, Kaspa is very similar to the Bitcoin network in the way it’s structured. Some of these similarities are outlined below: Utility: Bitcoin is a Layer 1 blockchain solution that functions as a store of value, often referred to as digital gold, functioning as a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency. Likewise, Kaspa is a Layer 1 solution purported to be a store of value and functioning as peer-to-peer cash. Related Reading: What Are The Top 8 DeFi And Web3 Wallets To Use In Crypto? Limited Total supply: Bitcoin has a maximum total supply of 21 million BTC to be ever mined, meaning new coins can never be created after all of these coins are mined. In a similar fashion, Kaspa has a maximum total supply of 28.7 billion coins, with a little over 22.5 billion in circulation.  Halving Events: Both Kaspa and Bitcoin undergo halving, which slashes the block rewards for miners in half. However, while Bitcoin undergoes a halving event every four years, Kaspa uses a Chromatic Halving Schedule, “meaning that rewards smoothly decrease every month in a quantitative manner that results in a 50% emission reduction per annum,” according to its website.  Decentralization/Proof of work: Both blockchains employ a decentralized proof of work mechanism, meaning that the network is secured by miners who solve complex mathematical equations to mine blocks and confirm transactions. Unfortunately, this also means that both networks are energy-intensive and require a lot of power to run.  One major difference between both networks is that Kaspa solves the issue of scalability that continues to plague Bitcoin. This means that while both networks use a proof of work mechanism, Kaspa is able to carry out transactions at a faster rate as well as cheaper fees. How Does Kaspa The Blockchain Solve Trilemma Issues? The Blockchain Trilemma refers to the three critical aspects of blockchain technology, which are security, scalability, and decentralization. This trilemma continues to plague leading blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, and they continue to battle these issues. This is because, in order to ensure security and decentralization, something had to give, and in both cases, it was scalability. Related Reading: Crypto After Death: How Do You Pass On Your Investments To Your Loved Ones? However, Kaspa, on the other hand, is one of the few blockchains to solve the blockchain trilemma, as it is decentralized, scalable, and secured. It solves the blockchain trilemma issues through its integration of proof of work (PoW) and the blockDAG structure. Image source How Does The Kaspa GhostDAG Protocol Work? Most blockchains that digitally process transactions do so in the form of blocks, hence the name blockchain. Kaspa, however, deviates from this because it does not store digital transactions in blocks. Instead, it does so using a complex mathematical structure called a DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph).  In a DAG (Directed Acyclic Graph), vertices are present instead of blocks. So, instead of referring to different units as forming blocks, each different vertice forms edges when connected to each other. The blockchain then relies on present transactions to validate and confirm transactions that come after it.  Kaspa does not discard previous blocks of information; therefore, it is more secure and scalable. Its mining relies on kHeavyHash, which is a form of optical mining algorithm that is energy efficient and works well with mining equipment such as FPGAs and GPUs. Prominent Features Of Kaspa (KAS) Efficient Proof of Wook: Kaspa is a one-of-a-kind blockchain that has managed to maintain its Proof of Work mechanism while also solving the blockchain trilemma. To put this in perspective, blockchains such as Ethereum have had to move from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) in an effort to solve their scalability issues and make them faster.  However, since Kaspa already solved the blockchain trilemma, this makes it highly scalable while maintaining a truly decentralized system. Its utilization of the optical-mining-ready kHeavyHash algorithm also helps to ensure the consensus and security of the network. Related Reading: How to Buy, Sell, and Trade ERC-20 Tokens on the Ethereum Network Instant Transaction Confirmation: Kaspa was designed to be cheaper and faster than Bitcoin, where full confirmation of a transaction takes an average of 10 seconds, with each transaction visible to the network in one second. This is significant when compared to Bitcoin, which takes an average of 10 minutes to confirm a transaction. Security: When it comes to security, Kaspa did not just employ the same security principles and methodology as Bitcoin, it took it a step further as it replaced the SHA-256 PoW encryption with kHeavyHash, while inheriting all the security properties of SHA-256. Thus, its network is still secured by a robust network of decentralized volunteers (miners) who validate and sign transactions just like Bitcoin. Cheaper Fees: Not only does the Kaspa Blockchain network confirm transactions fast, but it is also significantly cheaper than Bitcoin. This is because the blockDAG network generates multiple blocks every second for posting transactions to the ledger, whereas Bitcoin generates one block every 10 minutes. Transaction fees on Kaspa cost less than a cent, while transaction fees on Bitcoin cost an average of $4 at the time of this publication. Scalability: Kaspa solves scalability issues with its blockDAG network’s ability to generate and confirm multiple blocks per second, as mentioned above. But perhaps the most interesting part of what Kaspa does is that it is able to confirm so many blocks (vertices) per second without altering or giving up its decentralized nature. What Is KAS Coin And What Are Its Uses? KAS coin is the native token of the Kaspa blockchain, whose main objective is to power the whole network. It is used to pay for transaction fees and other forms of developer’s fees, and it is also used as an incentive to reward miners. Its block rates are rapid and promise swift rewards, as well as offering profitable mining with lower hash rate requirements compared to Bitcoin. The Tokenomics of Kaspa (KAS) Kaspa’s native cryptocurrency, KAS, has a maximum or total supply of 28.7 billion coins that are not pre-mined. This means all of the tokens in circulation have been free-mined by miners on the blockchain. It has a circulating supply of 22.5 billion at the time of publication, and estimates are that with the current halving model, the last KAS coin will be mined in 2037.  Related Reading: How To Mine Bitcoin And Crypto | Guide The Kaspa network utilizes an open crowdfunding and voting governance model, which means that KAS holders can contribute to the network for development, marketing initiatives, education, etc.  This sense of shared responsibility and ownership motivates the community to come together and work toward collective goals.  KAS Price History And Progress Kaspa launched its mainnet along with its token two years ago, on November 7, 2021. Initially, the price of its native token, KAS, remained stagnant until July 2022, when it pumped from $0.0001840 to $0.0005890. It then traded sideways for months before going on another rally, triggering a 694% increase in price. Related Reading: When Is the Next BTC Halving Date? Bitcoin Halving Guide Following this, the KAS price rose to almost $0.01 per coin in just a year after its launch in November 2022. The price dipped a bit and started off trading 2023 with $0.005278 per coin. KAS would then go on to hit a new all-time high of $0.154 in November 2023, exactly two years from the month it launched. Kaspa (KAS) is up 61,331% since its all-time low of $0.00017105 on May 26, 2022, according to Coingecko. This is significant because the surge to its new all-time highs took place during a bitter bear market, causing the coin to outperform the rest of the crypto market. This immense growth in such a short time has led to some of Kaspa’s investors referring to it as ‘Bitcoin 2.0’ or ‘The next Bitcoin.’ Its similarities with Bitcoin have also fueled the belief that it is the next Bitcoin. With a market cap of $2.38 billion, Kaspa is currently the 38th-largest cryptocurrency in the space and the 7th-largest Proof of Work (PoW) blockchain. Conclusion Kaspa (KAS) solving the blockchain trilemma with the ability to be scalable and still be decentralized gives it an edge over blockchains such as Bitcoin. Its native KAS coin also has important use cases like powering the entire Kaspa blockchain protocol and being used for transaction fees. This ensures that the coin is always in demand as the Kaspa network usage grows. Related Reading: Learn How To Trade Bitcoin Additionally, features like fast transactions, top-notch security due to its encryption with kHeavyHash, and a robust network of decentralized volunteers (miners) who validate and sign transactions make it an appealing choice for investors looking for an alternative to Bitcoin while enjoying the security and decentralization of Bitcoin. Featured image from IQ.wiki

How To Mint BRC-20 Tokens On The Bitcoin Network

BRC-20 tokens open doors for developers to build their own decentralized applications (dApps) with unique economies on the Bitcoin network. This fosters community engagement through internal currencies, and attracting investment through innovative token sale structures. BRC-20 tokens are fungible tokens built on the Bitcoin network using the Ordinals protocol. It also utilizes inscriptions containing JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data to facilitate the deployment of token contracts, minting tokens, and transferring tokens. Presently, the BRC-20 token standard offers the ability to create a BRC-20 token using the deploy function, mint a specified quantity of BRC-20 tokens using the mint function, and transfer a designated amount of BRC-20 tokens through the transfer function. BRC-20 and ERC-20 share some similar characteristics and functional concepts, but they are not identical due to their different underlying blockchains and implementation details. One of the differences is that BRC-20 tokens operate on the Bitcoin blockchain, while ERC-20 tokens reside on the Ethereum blockchain. This leads to differences in technical implementations and transaction fees. Related Reading: How To Buy And Trade BRC-20 Tokens On The Bitcoin Network Similar to ERC-20 tokens, BRC-20 tokens are fungible, meaning they can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis with equal value. They can be created, transferred, and traded on the Bitcoin network using decentralized marketplaces like Magic Eden with compatible wallets and decentralized exchanges that support the BRC-20 standard. BRC-20 tokens breathe vitality into the Bitcoin network, acting as programmable extensions that expand the scope beyond basic transfers. They empower the Bitcoin network by enabling the development of DApps, fostering communities, and facilitating ownership of real-world assets. This dynamic frontier presents exciting opportunities for engagement, incentives, and innovation.  However, it is essential to navigate the technical intricacies and embrace the evolving infrastructure. BRC-20 tokens, still a work in progress, possess tremendous potential to reshape the future of Bitcoin, unveiling a multitude of tokenized possibilities along the way. Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of building your own BRC-20 tokens! As we discussed, platforms like Magic Eden offer a gateway to creating and trading these digital assets. Creating BRC-20 Tokens On The Bitcoin Network Creating BRC-20 tokens involves defining the token’s parameters, such as its name, symbol, and total supply, as well as any additional functionality you want to incorporate, such as token burning or minting restrictions. Once the smart contract is written, it needs to be compiled into bytecode and deployed onto the Bitcoin blockchain using the platform’s provided tools. This deployment process usually involves paying gas fees to execute the necessary transactions. Platforms like Magic Eden enable users to create their own BRC-20 Tokens. Related Reading: Bitcoin Spot ETFs Approved After 14 Years- The Journey So Far First, visit the Magic Eden homepage, and click on “Connect Wallet” at the top right corner, as shown in the image below: For the best wallets to use for BRC-20 tokens on the Bitcoin network, check here. To initiate the creation of your BRC-20 token, it is essential to deploy it first. Adhere to the following instructions to proceed: Next, click on the “Inscribe” button. (The Inscribe button pops up after you click on the “Mint” icon situated towards the top left of the screen). Next, Click on the “BRC-20 ” tab at the top of the screen. Then, follow these instructions:   Ticker: Select a four-letter phrase to serve as the unique identifier for your token. For instance, widely recognized BRC-20 tokens have utilized tickers like ORDI or OXBT. Establish the maximum quantity of tokens that will be available for minting. Specify the highest number of tokens that can be minted in a single transaction. Select the desired parameters and click on “Next”. Choose the desired Bitcoin Network Fee from the options available, such as Low, Medium, or High. After making your selection, proceed by clicking the “Inscribe” button. (Ensure that the chosen ticker is not already deployed to avoid transaction failure. Magic Eden will automatically check this unless instructed otherwise). Related Reading: What Are The Top 8 DeFi And Web3 Wallets To Use In Crypto? Now, wait for the transaction to be confirmed by the Bitcoin network. Confirmation times may vary.After the confirmation, check your wallet. Upon successful confirmation, you will receive a “Deploy” inscription, signifying that you can proceed to mint your tokens. The provided example illustrates a “Deploy” inscription within the Xverse wallet. Minting Your BRC-20 Token Having successfully deployed your BRC20 token, follow these instructions to mint it. Navigate back to the ‘Inscribe Ordinals’ modal located on the Magic Eden homepage. Within the modal, click on the “BRC-20 Mint”  tab to proceed. Enter the four-letter phrase that you deployed earlier, indicate the desired quantity of tokens you intend to mint, and specify the number of mint inscriptions you wish to generate. Related Reading: How To Create And Mint Your Own NFTs On The Ethereum Network Note: The maximum number you can mint per transaction has to be the same with the value set in the “Limit per mint” during the deploy process. Now, click on the “Next” button and select the network fee. After selecting the desired fee rate, click the “Inscribe” button. In the following example, 63 BRC-20 tokens are being minted in three batches of 21 each. A set of mint transaction links will be provided. Please note that confirming the mint transactions once again may take some time. After confirmation, you will receive the mint inscriptions in your connected wallet. Congratulations, you have successfully created your first BRC-20 Token! Conclusion BRC-20 tokens offer fungible tokenization capabilities within the Bitcoin network, enabling a range of applications and use cases. As the blockchain industry progresses, both NFTs and BRC-20 tokens assume crucial roles in shaping the trajectory of digital ownership and decentralized finance (DeFi). Related Reading: Learn How To Trade Bitcoin BRC-20 tokens introduce fungible tokenization capabilities within the Bitcoin network, providing the ability to create and exchange interchangeable tokens. This opens up a wide array of possibilities for various applications and use cases within the blockchain industry. As the blockchain ecosystem continues to advance, both NFTs and BRC-20 tokens play pivotal roles in shaping the direction of digital ownership and decentralized finance, driving innovation, and paving the way for a more inclusive and decentralized financial landscape.

The new BTC ETFs are not a positive for the space

I think it may be unpopular but I do not believe the new ETFs for BTC are going to be a positive for the market like back when the gold ETFs were approved. BTC being a digital asset makes it so much easier acquire compared to heavy physical gold. The gold ETF actually made it…
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$500 Million Worth Of ETH Leave Exchanges Last Week – What This Means For ETH

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