When people initially hear about cryptocurrencies, the first thing that usually comes to their minds is Bitcoin. By far the most famous cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has created a lot of hype in the past couple of years. Nevertheless, Bitcoin is not the only truly valuable cryptocurrency out there, as currently, there are hundreds of other crypto tokens that are undoubtedly valuable to hold as well.
As a matter of fact, the whole crypto scene changed in 2018 when Ethereum entered the market. To get a better perspective of how big Ethereum has become in the past four years, you should know that with the ETH price fluctuating somewhere around $3,400 for a token these days, Etherium is only second to Bitcoin in both value and market demand.
So, since there is a lot of interest in this cryptocurrency, many people are still wondering how Ethereum became the second-best crypto on the market. In this post, we’ll explore how ETH works, its main advantages, and how you can invest in the second-best cryptocurrency.
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The Way Ethereum Works
Ethereum, just like all cryptocurrencies, is founded on a blockchain network, a distributed, decentralized, public ledger that verifies and records all transactions.
Decentralized in the sense that the ETH network isn’t run or maintained by a single commodity but rather by all of the distributed ledger owners, and it’s distributed in the sense that everyone on the Ethereum network has a copy of the ledger that is identical, allowing them to see all prior transactions.
Ethereum, like Bitcoin, may be used to buy and trade services and goods. Its value has soared in recent years, making it a de facto speculative investment. Users can design apps that “run” on the blockchain in the same way that software “runs” on a computer, making Ethereum unique. These programs may store and transport personal information and manage complex financial transactions. In addition, Ethereum is different from Bitcoin in that the network may do computations as part of the mining process.
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The Main Advantages Of Ethereum
So, if you’re wondering how ETH became the second-best crypto token out there, you should know that its worth is tightly connected to the benefits or advantages that the ETH network offers to its users. The most notable advantages of ETH include:
- A wide range of functions is available, as Ethereum can be used to execute smart contracts, perform different forms of financial transactions, store data for third-party applications, and be utilized as a digital currency.
- ETH is an extensive, existing network. The advantages of Ethereum are that it is a tried-and-tested network that has been put to the test over years of function and billions of dollars in value trading hands. It boasts the most significant ecosystem in blockchain and cryptocurrency as a vast and committed global community.
- Ethereum’s developer community continually looks for ways to improve the network and develop new applications. Ethereum tends to be the preferred blockchain network for innovative and exciting decentralized applications because of its popularity.
How To Invest In Ethereum
It’s a typical misunderstanding among newcomers to the Ethereum network as you don’t purchase Ethereum itself. Instead, you are buying Ether and using it on the Ethereum network. Because of Ethereum’s widespread use, purchasing the cryptocurrency is very straightforward:
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Decide On A Cryptocurrency Exchange
Trading platforms and crypto exchanges are utilized to buy and sell different cryptocurrencies. However, you may also use an online brokerage if you only want to buy the most popular coins, such as Ether and Bitcoin. And to buy Ether, you’ll need to put fiat money, like dollars or euros, into your trading platform and link your bank account or debit card. Nonetheless, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay some trading or processing fees almost everywhere.
Purchase Ether
You can use the funds to buy Ether and other assets at the current Ethereum price after you’ve funded your account. Once the coins have arrived in your account, you can keep them, exchange them for other cryptocurrencies or sell them. When you sell or trade cryptocurrencies, and you’re willing to take the profits from your successful crypto transactions, keep in mind that you may be responsible for paying taxes depending on where you live.
Utilize A Wallet
While you might leave your Ether in the default digital wallet provided by your trading platform, know that this might be dangerous. If the exchange is hacked, someone might easily steal all your cryptocurrency tokens. A smart alternative is to move coins you won’t be selling or trading into another digital wallet or a cold wallet that isn’t connected to the Internet at all.
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Final Thoughts
After outlining some basic information about Ethereum, its recent explosive rise to fame, and what fuels the token price movement, various factors are considered to have contributed to its current success. However, the long-term sustainability of the platform will depend on its ability to perform functions in addition to simply fueling value activity.
Ethereum has value and utility as virtual money, and the Ethereum blockchain may grow increasingly desirable. Also, the demand for ETH may increase as more individuals adopt Ethereum distributed apps. However, consider speaking with a financial advisor before making any significant investments. Even if you believe in Ethereum’s promise, make sure it’s money you can afford to lose, given the extreme uncertainty in this market.