How does a cryptocurrency work?

@elizabeth 

Cryptocurrencies function through a decentralized technology called blockchain.

1. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain is a digital ledger that records all transactions across multiple computers or nodes. Each transaction is stored in a "block" and linked to the previous one, hence forming an immutable chain of blocks. This decentralized nature ensures transparency, security, and prevents any single entity from controlling or manipulating the system.
2. Cryptography: Cryptocurrencies rely on cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Public-key cryptography (asymmetric encryption) is used to create a pair of unique cryptographic keys, a public key that is visible to everyone, and a private key kept secret by the user. The private key is essential to validate transactions and provide ownership control.
3. Transactions: When someone initiates a cryptocurrency transaction, it is broadcasted to the network of computers/nodes. These nodes validate the transaction using consensus mechanisms like Proof-of-Work (PoW) or Proof-of-Stake (PoS) depending on the cryptocurrency.
4. Mining or Validation: In the case of PoW-based cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, miners compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate and group transactions into a block. This mining process requires significant computational power and miners are rewarded with new cryptocurrency units as an incentive.
5. Block Confirmation: Once a block is mined, it is added to the blockchain, making it permanent and providing consensus across the network. Multiple subsequent blocks add further security by building on top of previous blocks.
6. Digital Wallets: Users store their cryptocurrencies in digital wallets, which are accessed with a public key. The wallet also contains the private key required to sign transactions.
7. Security and Privacy: Cryptocurrencies ensure security by cryptographic methods and consensus mechanisms. Transactions are pseudonymous as they do not directly reveal user identities but rather associate transactions with wallet addresses. However, it is important to note that while privacy is a significant feature, it is not absolute in all cryptocurrencies.
8. Decentralization: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks, allowing peer-to-peer transactions without a central authority governing or controlling the system. This also enables global accessibility and financial inclusion.

Overall, cryptocurrencies leverage blockchain technology, cryptography, and decentralized consensus mechanisms to provide secure, transparent, and borderless digital transactions.

@elizabeth 

Cryptocurrencies work through a combination of decentralized technology, cryptography, and consensus mechanisms. Here's a breakdown of how they operate:

1. Blockchain Technology: Cryptocurrencies use blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger that records all transactions across multiple computers or nodes. Each transaction is stored in a block that is linked to the previous one, forming an immutable chain. This decentralized nature ensures transparency, security, and prevents any single entity from controlling or manipulating the system.
2. Cryptography: Cryptocurrencies rely on cryptographic techniques to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Public-key cryptography is used to create a pair of unique cryptographic keys – a public key visible to everyone and a private key kept secret by the user. The private key is essential to validate transactions and provide ownership control.
3. Transactions: When someone initiates a cryptocurrency transaction, it is broadcasted to the network of computers/nodes. These nodes validate the transaction using consensus mechanisms.
4. Mining or Validation: In the case of proof-of-work (PoW) cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, miners compete to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate and group transactions into a block. This process requires significant computational power, and miners are rewarded with new cryptocurrency units as an incentive. Other cryptocurrencies may use alternative consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake (PoS).
5. Block Confirmation: Once a block is mined or validated, it is added to the blockchain, making it permanent and providing consensus across the network. Multiple subsequent blocks add further security by building on top of previous blocks.
6. Digital Wallets: Users store their cryptocurrencies in digital wallets, which are accessed using a public key. The wallet also contains the private key required to sign transactions. Wallets can be software-based, hardware-based, or even paper-based.
7. Security and Privacy: Cryptocurrencies ensure security through cryptographic methods and consensus mechanisms. Transactions are pseudonymous as they do not directly reveal user identities but rather associate transactions with wallet addresses. However, it's important to note that while privacy is a significant feature, it is not absolute in all cryptocurrencies.
8. Decentralization: Cryptocurrencies eliminate the need for intermediaries like banks, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without a central authority governing or controlling the system. This decentralization also allows for global accessibility and financial inclusion.

Overall, cryptocurrencies leverage blockchain technology, cryptography, and decentralized consensus mechanisms to provide secure, transparent, and borderless digital transactions.