altcoin

An altcoin, short for "alternative coin," refers to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. While Bitcoin was the first and remains the most well-known, altcoins offer different features, technologies, or intended uses. For example, Ethereum allows for smart contracts, while Ripple focuses on fast bank transactions. Altcoins can vary widely in purpose and value, and they contribute to the broader cryptocurrency market. Investors often explore altcoins for diversification or to capitalize on emerging technologies and trends in the crypto space.