Chapter 8
Blockchain and cryptocurrencies
If I had bought a few thousand Bitcoin earlier, I would now be a zillionaire
The blockchain allows our smart devices to speak to each other better and faster.
Melanie Swan1
What is it?
Blockchains and cryptocurrencies are inter-related but very different.
Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies, operating independently of any central bank and, through digital encryption, the transfers of these currencies are self-regulated. The most famous and leading cryptocurrency is Bitcoin, though Ethereum* and Ripple** have both grown in popularity. Though Bitcoin had received all the initial attention, it is certainly not the only cryptocurrency in town. Ethereum has seen an incredible rise in value. In fact, ...
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