Networks / Cardano / ADA
Cardano
A proof-of-stake blockchain platform, home to ada, where holders delegate stake to pools without giving up spending power.
THE OVERVIEW
What Cardano does
Cardano describes itself as a decentralized third-generation proof-of-stake blockchain platform and the home of the ada cryptocurrency. It is built from peer-reviewed research and written in Haskell, with security and sustainability as stated priorities. Its governance system, implemented under CIP-1694, is intended to let the project evolve and fund itself through a treasury. [1]
Anyone who owns ada can take part in stake delegation while keeping the ability to spend it. Delegation involves posting a staking address registration and a delegation certificate; the delegated ada then counts towards a pool’s stake when rewards are calculated. Stake pool operators must be online to produce blocks when selected as slot leaders, and the protocol distributes rewards to participants including the operator’s fees. [2]
IN PRACTICE
What people use it for
Hold and spend ada
Ada is the network’s native asset and remains spendable at any time, even while delegated. [2]
Delegate to a stake pool
Register a staking address and choose a pool, or run a private pool, without moving funds out of the wallet. [2]
Take part in governance
On-chain governance under CIP-1694 is designed to steer protocol changes and treasury use. [1]
UNDERSTAND THE TECHNOLOGY
Key concepts
Proof of stake
Block production rights depend on stake, and pools act much like mining operations do in Bitcoin. [2]
Stake pool operators
Operators run the infrastructure that produces blocks and collect fees from the rewards their pool earns. [2]
CIP-1694 governance
The on-chain mechanism through which the community can decide protocol evolution and treasury spending. [1]
MARKET CONTEXT
ADA market
$0.2441-4.20% 24hPrice history, market data and signal →FOLLOW THE STORY
Cardano news & coverage
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Official resources & sources
Dextape explanations based on the primary documentation below.