

At the heart of the platform lies the Ouroboros system, which is what allows Cardano to solve the problems currently hindering the Ethereum network. It is a proof-of-stake blockchain looking to solve the three major issues prevailing among the current generation of cryptocurrencies which are: scalability, interoperability, and sustainability. The Cardano blockchain platform is the first to be founded on peer-reviewed research and evidence-based methods. We shall now take a brief look at some of these third-generation cryptocurrencies. In the meantime, multiple cryptocurrencies are taking advantage of these issues to present themselves as third-generation coins, having the ability to overcome these scalability problems. It is now common for various transactions to take hours to process over the network. In addition to problems of energy consumption, Ethereum is struggling to cope with its high demand leading to very slow transaction speeds. Consequently, these expenses may prevent many potential users from even trying out the network themselves, hindering long-term growth. This results in significant “gas fees” on the Ethereum network and very expensive hardware requirements to mine Bitcoin. Namely, both cryptocurrencies require an immense amount of energy to function. The two platforms are plagued with scalability issues. Interestingly, the emergence of new cryptocurrencies over the last few years are threatening to end the current dual hegemony.ĭespite the key innovations brought forward, both Bitcoin and Ethereum are not without their faults. Bitcoin has always been leading the pack in terms of being a liquid and easily transactable cryptocurrency and Ethereum has similarly reigned over the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape. Over the last 7 years, Bitcoin and Ethereum have dominated the crypto space in terms of trading volume, market capitalization, and price. It was perceived as a new type of cryptocurrency altogether, given its ability to allow developers to build new decentralized programs within the platform. Ethereum possessed a more sophisticated programming language allowing for smart-contract capabilities. A few years later in 2015, Vitalik Buterin created Ethereum, which would later be labelled a second-generation cryptocurrency. These initial coins are thought of as “digital gold” given their scarcity, transactability, and potential for being a store of value. Being the first of its kind, Bitcoin along with its immediate predecessors (Litecoin, Namecoin, etc.) are considered first generation cryptocurrencies.

With it, it brought decentralization and made it possible to operate a currency without the need for a central bank or central authority. In 2009, Bitcoin, along with blockchain technology, was introduced to the world and revolutionized the global payments and financial system.
