ADA

Cardano is a public, proof‑of‑stake blockchain that separates its settlement layer (for ADA transfers) from a computation layer that hosts smart contracts and decentralized applications. Its Ouroboros PoS consensus and extended UTXO model aim for energy efficiency, scalability, and formal verification of code, while the native ADA token is used to pay fees, stake for network security, and participate in governance. The platform supports a range of use cases including peer‑to‑peer payments, token issuance, DeFi protocols, NFTs and other smart‑contract‑driven services. Cardano is positioned as a third‑generation, academically‑driven layer‑1 network that emphasizes security and sustainability, often cited as an Ethereum alternative for developers seeking a research‑backed infrastructure.