Algorand (ALGO) Definition – Cryptocurrency – Investopedia
Algorand (ALGO) is both a digital currency and blockchain platform. The Algorand platform is designed to process many transactions quickly, similar to a major payments processor like Mastercard or Visa. Algorand can host other cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based projects, making it a direct competitor to Ethereum. ALGO, the platform's native currency, is used to secure the Algorand blockchain and pay processing fees for Algorand-based transactions.
Algorand is an open-source blockchain, meaning that anyone can view and contribute to the platform’s code. Algorand uses an operating protocol called pure proof-of-stake (PPoS), which recruits network operators from the entire pool of ALGO coin holders.
The Algorand platform and accompanying cryptocurrency were founded in 2017 by Silvio Micali, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and noted cryptographer. The total supply of ALGO is capped at 10 billion coins, with about 7 billion ALGO already circulating.
Algorand markets itself as a highly efficient, scalable platform that can immediately finalize transactions. Algorand accomplishes this in a decentralized way by:
The Algorand blockchain uses a modified version of the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. While the traditional proof-of-stake method enables cryptocurrency holders to opt into validating transactions, the pure-proof-of-stake method recruits validators from the entire pool of ALGO holders. ALGO holders who stake—agree to not trade or sell—their ALGO are rewarded every time a new block is added to the Algorand blockchain.
The pure-proof-of-stake (PPoS) consensus mechanism uses randomness to increase the security of the blockchain network. Recruiting network participants from the entire user pool is the most random and also the most decentralized, which makes PPoS potentially more secure.
ALGO network participants are rewarded in ALGO, Algorand's native cryptocurrency. ALGO is also used as a utility token to pay transaction processing fees.
The Ethereum and Algorand blockchain platforms can be viewed as competitors. Both platforms provide infrastructure to support the development of other blockchain-based projects, and both use smart contracts.
One main difference between Algorand and Ethereum is the consensus mechanism that the blockchain uses. Ethereum uses the proof-of-work (PoW) method, which requires vast computing power and energy resources to “mine” new cryptocurrency and process transactions. Ethereum is gradually transitioning to using the proof-of-stake method—the most common version that requires blockchain network participants to opt-in as validators. Algorand is continuing to use pure proof of stake.
The Ethereum platform can process a new block of transactions approximately every 12-14 seconds. Transactions processed via the Algorand network are finalized faster, within about four seconds.
Algorand aims to achieve global trust among trustless parties through blockchain-based decentralization. The platform prioritizes simple designs for developing technology that can eliminate barriers to prosperity.
Algorand bills itself as the most efficient and greenest blockchain. Since April of 2021, Algorand has been carbon-negative—meaning that the platform purchases carbon credits that more than offset its carbon emissions.
The Algorand blockchain supports a variety of different projects, many of them focused on decentralized finance like decentralized lending and trading. The Algorand blockchain supports other cryptocurrencies such as stablecoins and even a digital national currency.
ALGO is validated rather than mined. The proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, including pure proof of stake, uses validators rather than miners to operate a blockchain platform. Crypto mining is generally associated only with the proof-of-work consensus mechanism.
You can buy ALGO using a major cryptocurrency exchange like Kraken or Coinbase. After establishing an account with an exchange and funding it with your local currency, you can initiate a buy order for ALGO. Once the purchase is complete, you can store your ALGO in a wallet that is self-hosted or hosted by the cryptocurrency exchange.
The Algorand Foundation. "About Algorand Protocol." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Algorand. "From Our Founder." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
CoinMarketCap. "Algorand." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
The Algorand Foundation. "Core Blockchain Innovation." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Algorand. "Technology: Pure Proof of Stake." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Algorand. "Algorand’s Pure Proof-of-Stake Approach." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Ethereum. "Proof-of-Stake (PoS)." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Ethereum. "Blocks." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
The Algorand Foundation. "Algo Basics." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Algorand. "About Us." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Algorand. "Algorand Pledges to be the Greenest Blockchain with a Carbon-Negative Network Now and in the Future." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
Algorand. "Use Cases." Accessed Feb. 10, 2022.
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