Altcoins and their different use cases.

Some altcoins were specifically developed as payment methods. These altcoins often offer faster transaction times and lower fees compared to Bitcoin. Some altcoins have also implemented features to enhance the privacy and anonymity of transactions.

• Litecoin (LTC): Litecoin was introduced in 2011 as the "silver" to Bitcoin's "gold." It is characterized by faster block generation times and lower transaction fees. These features make it an attractive alternative for cryptocurrency users, especially for those looking for a faster and more cost-effective way to conduct transactions. Additionally, Litecoin has an established market position and is traded on many cryptocurrency exchanges, which increases its liquidity and accessibility.

• Ripple (XRP): Ripple is both a cryptocurrency and a payment protocol. It enables fast, cross-border transactions between financial institutions and is used by many banks worldwide. The Ripple network uses a unique technology called the XRP Ledger, which allows transactions to be processed in real-time while offering low transaction fees. This makes Ripple an attractive option for banks and financial institutions seeking efficient and cost-effective payment solutions.

• Monero (XMR): As one of the leading cryptocurrencies, Monero places a strong emphasis on privacy and anonymity. By using advanced cryptographic techniques, transactions and account information are obfuscated to protect users' privacy. This focus on privacy has made Monero a popular choice for users who demand high levels of confidentiality in their financial transactions. Unlike some other cryptocurrencies, Monero offers an unparalleled level of privacy and anonymity, making it the preferred choice for those who prioritize data protection.

There are also many altcoins that serve as platforms for decentralized applications (DApps). These altcoins offer features like smart contracts, which enable the development and execution of programmable applications. Examples include:

• Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum is one of the most well-known platforms for decentralized applications. Developers can create smart contracts on Ethereum, which automatically execute transactions when certain conditions are met. Additionally, decentralized applications (DApps) can be run on the Ethereum platform, which are based on a blockchain and can support a wide range of use cases, from financial services to digital identities. Ethereum has established itself as a key player in the field of blockchain technology and offers a variety of tools and features for developers to create innovative applications.

• EOS (EOS): EOS is a platform that enables high scalability and fast transaction processing. It was designed to facilitate the development and execution of decentralized applications (DApps). Through its innovative design, EOS provides an environment where developers can create DApps that can support millions of users simultaneously without compromising performance. The high scalability and fast transaction processing make EOS an attractive choice for applications that need to handle a large number of transactions in real time, such as social media platforms or online games.

• Cardano (ADA): Cardano is a platform focused on security, sustainability, and formal systems. It aims to provide a secure environment for the development and execution of decentralized applications (DApps). By integrating formal verification methods and a development approach based on scientific principles, Cardano offers a high level of security and reliability. This focus on security and sustainability makes Cardano a promising platform for developers looking to create robust and trustworthy DApps.

Altcoins play an important role in Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and blockchain-based financing. In ICOs, companies or projects can issue their own altcoins or tokens to raise investments from interested parties. These tokens often represent a stake in the future success of the project or provide certain rights or services. Examples include:

• Chainlink (LINK): Chainlink is an oracle network that connects smart contracts with external data sources. The platform enables bringing real-world information onto the blockchain, providing smart contracts with current data. The LINK token is used within the network to reward network activity and to enable access to data feeds and APIs. By using Chainlink, smart contracts can securely and reliably access external data, which allows for a wide range of use cases across various industries, from finance to insurance and supply chain management.

• Basic Attention Token (BAT): The Basic Attention Token is used on the Brave browser platform to reward users for their attention when viewing ads. The integration of the Basic Attention Token allows users to be directly rewarded with digital tokens for watching advertisements. At the same time, the token enables advertisers to target ads to interested users and increase engagement by interacting directly with the audience. This creates a win-win situation where users are rewarded, and advertisers can run more effective ad campaigns.

• Augur (REP): Augur is a decentralized prediction platform where users can create and trade prediction markets. The REP token is used to enable participation in the voting and validation process within the platform. By utilizing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, users can create markets on Augur where they can make predictions about events such as the outcome of sporting events, political elections, or financial markets. The REP token serves as the currency for staking and rewarding users who participate in predicting and validating events. This creates a decentralized and transparent system for prediction markets, allowing users to interact directly with each other without relying on central intermediaries.