Cardano (ADA) is a blockchain based on a decentralized proof of stake system, which is intended to provide greater efficiency than traditional proof of work networks.
Cardano’s cryptocurrency is named after Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (1815-1852), who is often regarded as the first computer programmer. The blockchain in Cardano utilizes a Proof-of-Stake consensus system and rewards users for their contributions to the network via a stake pool by giving them Ada tokens.
History of Cardano (ADA)
Charles Hoskinson, who was involved in the creation of Ethereum, started working on Cardano in 2015 and released it two years later. It provides a different option to Ethereum, with comparable functions like smart contracts and an aim to build a decentralized and interconnected system.
Cardano sees itself as a more advanced version of Ethereum and has labeled itself as a ‘third-generation’ platform in comparison to Ethereum’s ‘second-generation’ reputation. The blockchain system also strives to provide banking services to those who have no access to financial institutions.
Proof of Stake vs. Proof of Work
Cardano utilizes the Ouroboros consensus protocol, developed by Cardano during its initial stage. This is the first proof of stake (PoS) system built to lower the power usage needed for proof of work (PoW) mining by taking away the vast computing resources that would be necessary when using a proof of work algorithm.
Cryptocurrencies employ two main consensus protocols to confirm transactions. Bitcoin employs the “proof of work” system, which necessitates users to solve intricate encryption challenges before their entries are incorporated into the blockchain. This process is commonly referred to as crypto mining. The other consensus mechanism is called “proof of stake,” and it uses multiple randomly selected validators who must concur that a transaction is accurate prior to its integration into the blockchain; this technique requires less energy than crypto mining does.
What is Cardano Staking?
In Cardano’s Proof-of-Stake system, the amount of Ada held by a node over time determines its ability to open blocks on the blockchain. When a user pledges Ada, they are essentially investing in an interest that will be rewarded with transaction fees based on their stake. This Ada is held as security for honest behavior when validating blocks and cannot be used or spent by the holder.
Users come together in staking pools, which are composed of Ada token holders who have committed to using their coins, and collaborate to keep the ledger up-to-date, open new blocks, and receive rewards.
How Do Cardano Staking Pools Work?
Cardano utilizes the PoS consensus protocol, which grants users the opportunity to be selected as a validator by ‘staking’ a coin. There are two ways for users to take part in the staking and validation process: becoming a stake pool owner or a stake pool operator. Stake pools are reliable server nodes that manage verifying transactions.
You can be a stake pool owner by setting up your own stake pool and allowing others to join it, or by assigning your Ada to an existing one.
A stake pool operator is a reliable individual responsible for keeping the stake pool running, including renting servers, overseeing the node, safeguarding the pool key, and other related duties.
Smart Contracts
Cardano released the Alonzo update in 2021, which enabled users to operate smart contracts, NFTs, and other assets. This was the first step towards providing scalability and new use cases for users. Further releases and forks will bring additional features to the mainnet involving smart contracts.
Future of Cardano
Cardano is structured in phases named after influential figures from the worlds of poetry and computing—Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho and Voltaire. The current phase (Basho) which began late August 2022, is focused on scaling and optimizing the blockchain to bring more features. The final phase (Voltaire) will see the implementation of smart contract functionality and system upgrades to enable voting and treasury management of Cardano’s network.
How Is Cardano Different From Bitcoin?
There are some significant distinctions between Bitcoin and Cardano. Bitcoin was created to be an electronic payment system for individuals. On the other hand, Cardano is an environment that permits developers to create tokens, decentralized applications, or devise other uses for a scalable blockchain network.
Cardano does not offer Ada as a reward for miners in a competitive mining process like Bitcoin does, instead relying on its PoS consensus. This eliminates the need for electricity-intensive computers designed for mining, thus reducing energy consumption and waste. To begin earning rewards, Cardano users can download compatible wallet software on their devices and stake their Ada.
What Is The Best Place To Stake Cardano?
It is important to research a staking pool thoroughly before joining it, such as looking into its website, user reviews, complaints and issues. IOHK supports the Daedalus wallet which enables users to pick a pool they want to join. Additionally, there are several community-made tools like adapools.org, cardanoscan.io, pool.pm, poolstats.org and pooltool.io that can be used for selecting an appropriate staking pool for your Ada tokens.
Yoroi wallet, Exodus, and Binance’s wallet are all options that can be used to stake your Ada. However, it should be noted that Binance is a custodial service which means they keep control of the Cardano keys for you.
How Do I Mine Cardano (ADA)?
Cardano cannot be obtained through the mining process used for other cryptocurrencies; it can only be acquired by buying it on a digital currency exchange.
Summary
Cardano is a distributed, Proof-of-Stake blockchain platform that was created in 2015 and initiated in 2017. It has been presented as an option to Proof-of-Work blockchains such as Bitcoin, largely due to its enhanced energy efficiency since it does not depend on crypto mining.
The goals of Cardano’s development are grand. Its creators envision that Cardano will eventually be completely decentralized when voting and the financial management of blockchain are integrated into its abilities in the future.
