empty
21.12.2021 11:40 AM
Litecoin is a great example of an open-source cryptocurrency

This image is no longer relevant

Litecoin is another great example of the power of open-source cryptocurrency. In 2011, the founder of the project Charlie Lee took the BTC source code and released a competing coin. Litecoin had 4 times faster block times and other optimizations for faster speed and lower cost.

Again, one might think that a lot of competition for Bitcoin is bad. However, Litecoin has made a significant contribution to Bitcoin. For example, there was a huge debate in 2016-17 over SegWit, Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP). Segwit proponents argued that this would increase Bitcoin's bandwidth (capacity), enable the BTC-based Lightning network to be built, and bring other benefits such as Schnorr signatures.

Unfortunately, there were many people in the Bitcoin community who opposed SegWit for various reasons. Some miners thought the Lightning Network would lower their transaction fee income. There were also security issues with such a major update.

Thus, Litecoin went ahead and activated SegWit to Bitcoin in 2017. It became quite clear that it was safe and reliable. Shortly after, Bitcoin adopted SegWit. In 2018, the BTC Lightning Network was launched on Bitcoin, and now, SegWit and Lightning allow traders to send transactions quickly and cheaply.

This image is no longer relevant

This is just a small look at the innovations happening in DeFi and cryptography. The space is developing so rapidly that it has become impossible to keep track of all interesting projects.

Marc Andreessen is one of the most influential thinkers and investors in the world of high technology. He created the first modern web browser Mosaic, in 1991 at the age of 22. He co-founded Netscape and eventually founded the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) together with his co-founder Ben Horowitz. Wired magazine calls Andreessen a man who makes the future.

Marc believes that cryptocurrency will ultimately be as destructive as the Internet. And recently, a16z raised an impressive $ 2.2 billion trust fund to invest in blockchain technology. He calls cryptocurrency a fundamental technological breakthrough.

Irina Yanina,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold continues to show strong demand, trading near its all-time high, just below the key psychological level of $3400. The hardline international trade policy pursued by U.S. President Donald Trump

Irina Yanina 19:15 2025-04-21 UTC+2

EUR/GBP. Analysis and Forecast

The strengthening of the pair is linked to the euro's rise amid U.S. dollar weakness, driven by concerns over a potential recession in the U.S. and questions about the Federal

Irina Yanina 12:17 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Markets in limbo: awaiting next shock or revival

After the rollercoaster ride of early April, the US stock market seems to have come to a standstill. The S&P 500 is neither alive nor dead — it's starting

Marek Petkovich 11:46 2025-04-21 UTC+2

The Dollar and Stock Market Crash Continues (AUD/USD May Keep Rising While USD/JPY Declines Further)

While Europe and parts of Asia continue celebrating Easter and political life has temporarily paused, in the U.S., the "Make America Great Again" trend set by Donald Trump continues

Pati Gani 09:04 2025-04-21 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 21? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

No macroeconomic events are scheduled for Monday—not in the U.S., the Eurozone, Germany, or the U.K. Therefore, even if the market was paying attention to the macroeconomic backdrop, today, there

Paolo Greco 06:30 2025-04-21 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – April 21: The Inertial Growth Continues

The GBP/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Friday. If we had seen such price action away from peak levels, there would have been no questions. In essence

Paolo Greco 04:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – April 21: The Market Sleeps, Only Trump Can Wake It Up

On Friday, the EUR/USD currency pair made no notable movements whatsoever. This was unsurprising, as Friday marked Good Friday, and Sunday was Easter. Many banks and trading venues were closed

Paolo Greco 04:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Dollar: Weekly Preview

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? The US dollar will again try to answer that question in the new week. To briefly recap: over the past

Chin Zhao 01:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

British Pound: Weekly Preview

Several fairly interesting reports were released in the UK, but they almost did not impact market participants' actions. Demand for the British pound increased on all five days except

Chin Zhao 01:01 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Euro: Weekly Preview

There were very few changes regarding the euro last week. We observed horizontal movement for most of the week, which naturally did not affect the current wave markup. I want

Chin Zhao 01:00 2025-04-21 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.