Bitcoin vs Ethereum – Detailed Guide
In the middle of June 2017, the global cryptocurrency market was thoroughly shaken by a massive selloff that sent Bitcoin and Ethereum plunging to depths they had not experienced in months. To add insult to injury, the largest digital currency exchange in the world, Coinbase, succumbed to the heavy traffic caused by panicked sellers and eager buyers.
Although Bitcoin and Ethereum are often mentioned in the same breath due to their sizable market capitalization, these digital currencies have some marked differences. Right off the bat, it must be mentioned that Ethereum is more than just a digital currency; it is a very sophisticated blockchain platform that has been praised for its ability to handle smart contracts in a secure environment. The central banks of Singapore and Russia have already developed projects based on the Ethereum blockchain, and several tech firms are exploring the possibility of using the platform for crowdfunding and even for holding elections.
Difference Between Bitcoin and Ethereum Blockchains
From a tech standpoint, the Ethereum blockchain is far superior to Bitcoin. The digital token that serves as a currency for Ethereum is called ether, but it is hardly the only currency that can be mined within Ethereum. Not a day goes by without someone minting a new digital currency based on an Ethereum fork; however, only ether and a couple of others have found favor among currency traders, investors and speculators. It is currently a lot faster to confirm an ether transaction than a Bitcoin trade.
The Ethereum blockchain is here to stay
The day may come when traders may no longer be interested in ether, and this would not make any difference to the Ethereum blockchain, which is here to stay. Bitcoin’s limitations are universally known, but this does not seem to stop traders from taking positions in the wild cryptocurrency market. Only time will tell if ether ever reaches the speculative levels of Bitcoin; however, when sovereign fiat currency goes fully digital, it will be thanks to the Ethereum blockchain.
