Cardano

Cardano is a popular cryptocurrency abbreviated as ADA. Launched in 2017 by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson, Cardano has swiftly risen to one of the leading cryptocurrencies on the market. 

What sets Cardano apart is its commitment to a layered architecture, separating the ledger of account values from the reason why values are moved from one account to the other. This separation creates more flexibility, making Cardano an agile platform for developing decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.

As a third-generation blockchain, Cardano aims to address the limitations of its predecessors, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

Want to know more about ADA? We’ll dive into all the details in our comprehensive guide below.

Cardano Price

Cardano’s past trends gives you insights into its market behaviour. Over the years, Cardano has experienced tons of fluctuations.

Cardano price went through the same wild roller coaster as many other cryptocurrencies in 2018. Its price peaked in January at USD 1.01 and dropped to USD 0.085 in October of the same year. Accordingly, Cardano market capitalization hit USD 2 billion in October, compared to USD 30 billion in January. Going forward, one needs to follow development of competing platforms such as Ethereum, as this might affect the price of ADA.

If you wonder how to acquire Cardano, first you need to download a wallet that supports ADA cryptocurrency. At the time of writing those are two: Daedalus wallet and Infinito Wallet.

Buying, selling and trading with ADA coins is possible through exchanges such as Bittrex, HitBTC, Binance, Upbit, and others. Meanwhile, one of the major exchanges BitMEX provides a futures market for BTC:ADA, using only BTC as margin. Therefore, you cannot purchase, trade with, or withdraw Ada from BitMex. Cardano aims to be listed on more exchanges – new partnerships will be announced via its social media channels.

Moreover, the company plans that ADA will be available to purchase at a network of ATM machines in Japan in an unspecified future.

What is Cardano?

Cardano’s development began in 2015 by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson. The aim was for Cardano to take an innovative approach compared to its predecessors in building a decentralized ecosystem. ADA was officially launched in 2017, and it has seen plenty of price fluctuations over its relatively short lifespan.

Cardano is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a more secure and sustainable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts. 

Cardano’s development is driven by three main principles: scalability, sustainability, and interoperability. These principles guide the Cardano team in addressing the challenges faced by earlier blockchain networks, aiming to create a more inclusive and secure financial ecosystem.

Here’s what makes Cardano unique:

• Cardano uses a layered architecture that separates the settlement and computation layers. This design offers better flexibility and allows for easier upgrades without disrupting the entire system.
• Cardano uses the Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus algorithm, which relies on the principle of “staking” ADA (Cardano’s native cryptocurrency) to participate in the network. This approach aims to be energy-efficient while ensuring security. Reducing the overall impact on the environment compared to older cryptocurrencies.
• Another one of Cardano’s unique features is its emphasis on academic research and peer-reviewed development. The platform collaborates with universities and experts worldwide to ensure the scientific rigor of its protocols and innovations.
• Similar to Ethereum, Cardano supports smart contracts and decentralized applications. However, Cardano’s layered approach and commitment to formal verification aim to enhance security and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
• Cardano also introduces a treasury system that allows ADA holders to participate in decision-making processes and propose changes to the network. This feature promotes decentralization and community involvement in governance.

As you can see, there are a ton of behind-the-scenes features that you get with Cardano – it’s more than just another cryptocurrency.

How Does Cardano Work?

Cardano uses a multi-layered architecture designed to improve its scalability, sustainability, and security. The platform is divided into two main layers – the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) and the Cardano Computation Layer (CCL).

Firstly, the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) is responsible for handling ADA transactions and the transfer of value. It uses the Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus algorithm mentioned earlier, allowing ADA holders to participate in the network’s operation by staking their tokens. Ouroboros ensures security and energy efficiency when validating transactions.

Secondly, the Cardano Computation Layer (CCL) is dedicated to supporting smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Since these two layers are segregated, Cardano has improved flexibility and allows for independent upgrades.

Cardano’s unique technological features and commitment to real-world environmental impact have brought a fresh perspective to the cryptocurrency market. 

Who Created Cardano?

Cardano was co-founded by Charles Hoskinson, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space. Hoskinson is a mathematician and entrepreneur who was also one of the co-founders of Ethereum. His vision for Cardano was to create a blockchain platform that could provide a more secure and sustainable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications.

Cardano’s development is overseen by IOHK, a blockchain research and development company. IOHK was founded by Charles Hoskinson and Jeremy Wood in 2015, with a specific focus on building blockchain solutions.

The idea for Cardano was conceived in 2015. The development of ADA began with a research-driven approach to address the challenges faced by existing blockchain platforms.

The native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain, ADA, was launched in September 2017 through an initial coin offering (ICO). The ICO raised significant funds to support the ongoing development of the Cardano platform.

What’s interesting is that Cardano’s development is structured in phases, each named after famous poets. For example, the Byron phase, representing the foundation era, saw the launch of the mainnet and the introduction of ADA. The subsequent Shelley phase focused on decentralization, introducing staking and the Ouroboros consensus.

The five eras of Cardano are:

• Byron
• Shelley
• Goguen
• Basho
• Voltaire

Cardano is an evolving project with a roadmap extending into the future. The development team continues to work on subsequent phases, including Goguen (smart contracts and decentralized applications), Basho (scaling), and Voltaire (governance).

This approach alone is enough to make Cardano interesting to keep an eye on.

Cardano Market Performance

Cardano (ADA) has a market cap of $19.00B. It has established itself as one of the leading cryptocurrencies in the market. The market capitalization gives you an idea of the overall value of a cryptocurrency within the broader cryptocurrency market – it shows total value of all ADA tokens in circulation.

Cardano’s latest trading volume is $362.03M in the last 24 hours (at the time of writing). This figure shows the total amount of ADA tokens traded across crypto exchanges within a specific time frame. Higher trading volume means more market activity, liquidity, and investor interest.

How to Buy and Store Cardano

You can buy Cardano (ADA) through various cryptocurrency exchanges such as Kraken, Coinbase, or Binance (to name a few). 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to buy Cardano:

1. Choose a cryptocurrency exchange: Choose a reputable cryptocurrency exchange that supports Cardano.
2. Create an account: Sign up for an account on the chosen exchange. Complete the necessary identity verification process as per the exchange’s requirements.
3. Deposit funds: Deposit funds into your exchange account. Most exchanges accept deposits in fiat currencies (such as USD, EUR) or other cryptocurrencies.
4. Find ADA on the exchange: Locate the Cardano trading pair on the exchange.
5. Place an order: Enter the amount of ADA you wantto buy.
6. Complete the purchase: The ADA tokens will be credited to your exchange wallet.

That’s it – you’ve bought ADA. But after buying Cardano, it’s crucial to secure and store your ADA tokens safely. Here’s how:

• Hardware Wallets (Ledger Nano S, Ledger Nano X, or Trezo) – these offer better security and are not prone to hacking.
• Software Wallets (Daedalus and Yoroi): More easily accessible and flexible, but they come with security risks. Make sure your cybersecurity is up to date.

The Future of Cardano

As mentioned earlier, Cardano is known for its deliberate and research-driven approach. Therefore, it has a comprehensive roadmap that outlines its development phases and upcoming features. While specific timelines can be subject to adjustments, the following key developments are anticipated:

• Smart contracts and the Alonzo upgrade: The Alonzo upgrade is set to bring smart contract functionality to the Cardano blockchain. This will open the door to a wide range of applications and projects.
• Decentralized Finance (DeFi) integration: With smart contracts in place, Cardano aims to actively participate in the growing decentralized finance (DeFi) space. This will open doors to lending, borrowing, and decentralized exchanges that are expected to emerge alongside Cardano.

Risks and Challenges

Investing in Cardano (ADA) comes with potential risks and challenges that you should be aware of.

Firstly, Cryptocurrency markets, including Cardano, are known for their price volatility. Prices can experience rapid and unpredictable fluctuations. Always be aware of the factors that affect Cardano’s price and keep an eagle eye on your investments.

The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is always evolving, and changes in regulations could impact Cardano’s market and adoption. Make sure to stay informed about regulatory developments and compliance requirements in the jurisdictions you operate in.

Cardano is a complex blockchain project with ongoing development. Technical issues, bugs, or unforeseen challenges are sure to show up from time to time and it could affect the network’s functionality. Keeping up with the latest news on ADA could help you stay informed on these issues. 

Regulatory and Legal Aspects of Cardano

Cardano (ADA) operates globally where the legal status of cryptocurrencies varies across jurisdictions. But it’s important to keep in mind that the legal status of Cardano varies from country to country. 

Some jurisdictions embrace cryptocurrencies, recognizing them as legitimate financial instruments, while others impose strict regulations or outright bans.

Cardano’s compliance with international regulatory standards, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, is important for its acceptance in traditional financial systems. Regulatory compliance improves Cardano’s legitimacy and makes it more acceptable in traditional financial institutions.

Comparing Cardano to Other Cryptocurrencies

When deciding whether Cardano is a worthy investment or not, it could be helpful to compare it to some other cryptocurrencies. But it’s important to consider the key differentiators that sets Cardano apart from its competitors. We’ll compare ADA to three other cryptocurrencies below.

Cardano vs. Ethereum

Firstly, what better comparison to make than to its founder’s previous project – Ethereum? Well, as you can see above ETH is an entirely different calibre compared to Cardano. That mainly comes down to the fact that Ethereum has been around for much longer than ADA.

Both Cardano and Ethereum are known for their smart contract capabilities, facilitating decentralized applications (DApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. While Ethereum currently operates on a Proof-of-Work (PoW) model, it is transitioning to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) model, similar to Cardano’s Ouroboros consensus.

Cardano’s PoS mechanism, Ouroboros, is designed to be more energy-efficient than Ethereum’s current PoW model. Furthermore, Cardano focuses on a phased development approach, aiming for a systematic rollout of features, which is why it’s still so far behind it’s “big brother”.

Cardano vs. Binance Coin

Binance Coin and Cardano’s ADA both serve as utility tokens within their respective ecosystems. BNB is primarily associated with transactions and fees on the Binance exchange, whereas ADA is integral to Cardano’s network, participating in staking and governance. Overall though, BNB is still much bigger than ADA at the moment.

Cardano vs. Polkadot

Polkadot and Cardano share a focus on scalability and interoperability through their multi-chain architectures. Both projects incorporate Proof-of-Stake mechanisms, with Polkadot using Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS). Polkadot is a smaller cryptocurrency compared to Cardano in terms of numbers.

FAQs

How much is 1 Cardano to buy?

The price of 1 Cardano (ADA) can vary based on market conditions and exchange rates. It’s advised to check a reliable cryptocurrency exchange platform for the most up-to-date pricing.

Is Cardano actually safe?

Cardano is designed with a strong emphasis on security. Its development involves academic research, and the blockchain employs a layered architecture to enhance security. However, like any investment, risks exist, and you should exercise caution and stay informed.

Where can I buy Cardano?

Cardano (ADA) can be purchased from various cryptocurrency exchanges. Popular platforms like Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and others often list Cardano. You can simply create an account on a suitable exchange, deposit funds, and buy ADA.

What wallets can I use to store Cardano?

Cardano can be stored in wallets that support ADA. Some recommended wallets include Daedalus (official Cardano wallet), Yoroi, Ledger Nano S/X (hardware wallets), and others. It’s important to choose a reputable wallet that aligns with your preferences.

Is Cardano environmentally friendly?

Cardano’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, which involves less energy consumption compared to proof-of-work systems, contributes to its environmental friendliness. This aligns with the network’s sustainability goals.

Can I participate in the Cardano community?

Yes, Cardano encourages community engagement. You can join forums, and social media groups, and contribute to the development of the ecosystem. The Cardano community plays a vital role in discussions, feedback, and network governance.