Cardano is a third-generation decentralized public blockchain. It is open-source with consensus achieved using proof-of-stake (PoS) technology, designed to be more efficient than proof-of-work (PoW). The sustainability, interoperability, and scalability of PoW networks are limited by the infrastructure burden of energy use, slow transaction times and growing costs. This makes Cardano a promising alternative for developers seeking greener blockchains and solutions.

What are ADA key features and how does it work?

Cardano uses PoS (Proof-of-Stake), a core difference from the Bitcoin and Ethereum PoW (Proof-of-Work) system. Both PoW & PoS are consensus mechanisms, whose purpose is to choose a “trustworthy” validator for the next transaction and moreover agree on a current state of a blockchain. PoW rewards miners for solving complex mathematical problems in order to mine a new block on the blockchain. In contrast, in a PoS system, stakers validate and generate new blocks.

In general, Proof-of-Stake is a greener alternative for blockchain networks as it does not require brute coin hashing (mining process). Also, thanks to the use of the PoS system, development of the blockchain is not dependent on equipment. PoS blockchain is based on stake pools, which are made up of users who come together and use their coins to validate blocks on the network. In return, users are rewarded with their own assets of that blockchain. The process of placing a cryptocurrency is simple and does not expose users to any risk.

In addition to using a PoS system, Cardano ensures that the network can be easily scalable thanks to the way the blockchain is developed.

The network has two layers - the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) and the Cardano Computing Layer (CCL) - unlike most other networks that operate on only one layer. The CSL layer records and performs transactions on the blockchain, while the CCL layer is the smart contract layer that performs automatic transactions. By design, the Cardano blockchain can execute faster transactions and have lower fees.

In today's market, most cryptocurrencies strive to find the right balance between security, speed, and decentralization. But few are successful in dealing with all of these problems. Cardano seems to be one of the few. And the platform is constantly evolving.

What makes Cardano unique?

Cardano is one of the biggest blockchains successfully using a Proof-of-Stake mechanism, making it less energy-intensive than PoW. 

The project prides itself on the fact that all developed technologies go through a peer-reviewed research process, which means that bold ideas can be challenged before they are implemented. This academic rigor helps the blockchain to be stable and durable, increasing the chance of potential pitfalls to be foreseen in advance, according to the Cardano team.

In 2020, Cardano carried out its Shelley update that aimed to make its blockchain "50 to 100 times more decentralized" than other major blockchains. At the time, Hoskinson predicted that this would open the door for hundreds of assets in his network to operate.

Where can you buy ADA?

Cardano is one of the biggest cryptocurrencies in terms of market capitalization, so there are plenty of major exchanges to buy it: Binance, eToro, HitBTC, Bittrex, etc.