Bitcoin (BTC) has become well-known as the first cryptocurrency, which has risen in price to as much as $68,000, fallen, and has minted millionaires worldwide. A lesser-known product is Bitcoin Cash, which was created in 2017 over concerns that Bitcoin couldn’t easily be used for transactions.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a peer-to-peer network that uses blockchain technology to process and store digital transactions. This digital currency shares similarities with Bitcoin (BTC) and improves upon the speed and cost of transactions. In this article, we’ll explain how Bitcoin Cash works and discuss its features, pros, and cons.
How does Bitcoin Cash work?
This cryptocurrency was created in order to overcome the problems of slow and expensive transactions in the Bitcoin network. Technically, Bitcoin Cash works in a very similar way to Bitcoin. They both use peer-to-peer blockchain networks and require proof of work consensus for mining new coins and verifying transactions, which makes the process secure from hackers.
In cryptocurrencies, transactions are linked together on a “block” that offers a publicly verifiable ledger of activity on the blockchain. Bitcoin Cash uses a larger block size to transact. A larger block size means that more transactions can be created on a blockchain. To compare BCH vs BTC, Bitcoin can only handle up to seven transactions in a second, while Bitcoin Cash can manage up to 200 transactions or more per second. This allows for reduced transaction costs and improved speed for quicker purchases.
How does Bitcoin Cash work?
This cryptocurrency was created in order to overcome the problems of slow and expensive transactions in the Bitcoin network. Technically, Bitcoin Cash works in a very similar way to Bitcoin. They both use peer-to-peer blockchain networks and require proof of work consensus for mining new coins and verifying transactions, which makes the process secure from hackers. In cryptocurrencies, transactions are linked together on a “block” that offers a publicly verifiable ledger of activity on the blockchain. Bitcoin Cash uses a larger block size to transact. A larger block size means that more transactions can be created on a blockchain.
To compare BCH vs BTC, Bitcoin can only handle up to seven transactions in a second, while Bitcoin Cash can manage up to 200 transactions or more per second. This allows for reduced transaction costs and improved speed for quicker purchases.
What is Bitcoin Cash used for?
Bitcoin Cash is designed for use as an electronic payment system. Since transactions can be processed faster than with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash is designed for spending. The transaction costs for Bitcoin Cash are also lower.
Does Bitcoin have smart contract support?
Until recently, Bitcoin offered no smart contract support to enable more types of transactions between individuals. In November 2021, Bitcoin introduced Taproot1. With this upgrade, Bitcoin users can now execute complex smart contracts in much the same way as they do with Ethereum.
Why do Bitcoin Cash addresses look different than Bitcoin addresses?
In the beginning, Bitcoin Cash used the same addresses as Bitcoin. Developers quickly learned that the address format confused users. To overcome the problem, developers changed the Bitcoin Cash addresses to a format called CashAddr. The new format changes how the address is displayed, but the underlying public and private keys remain the same.
What is the difference between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash?
Though Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash share a number of similarities, there are also many notable differences between them.
- Maximum block size — Bitcoin Cash has 32MB maximum block sizes versus Bitcoin’s blocks at 1MB. Bigger block size means faster throughput time and faster transactions.
- Cheaper transfer fees — Bitcoin Cash has lower transaction costs.
- Price – Bitcoin Cash is not as expensive as Bitcoin.
Bitcoin Cash factors to consider
Bitcoin Cash works on a decentralized peer-to-peer system and there is no centralized authority pulling the strings. Below, we’ve listed the main features to consider for Bitcoin Cash.
Secure
The Bitcoin Cash network is considered secure. Bitcoin Cash uses blockchain technology to record and store transactions. Miners add new blocks to the blockchain by competing to solve complex mathematical puzzles that, when solved, confirm transactions.
Fixed supply
The supply of Bitcoin Cash is capped at 21 million coins, the same as Bitcoin. The cap on numbers ensures that the currencies remain scarce and could potentially provide a hedge against inflation.
Ease of access
Like Bitcoin, to send or receive Bitcoin Cash, all you need is access to a smartphone or computer. Even those without a bank account or credit card can transact using Bitcoin. You can store digital currency in an electronic “wallet.”
Transparent
Every transaction goes onto a public ledger. This means that anyone can access the information, which may discourage fraud.
Low-cost transaction costs across the globe
Bitcoin Cash transaction costs are relatively low. This is an attractive feature, especially for international transactions. Bitcoin Cash can be an inexpensive alternative to credit cards, where merchants pay a higher fee and often pass it to consumers.
Advantages of Bitcoin Cash
There are many reasons to consider using Bitcoin Cash. We’ve listed some of the benefits below:
● Bitcoin Cash is faster and cheaper to transact with than Bitcoin.
● You do not need a bank account to use Bitcoin Cash.
● It can be easier and cheaper to make international transactions.
● Bitcoin Cash uses blockchain technology which is considered secure.
Disadvantages of Bitcoin Cash
It pays to know the disadvantages of any financial asset and Bitcoin Cash is no different. We’ve listed them below:
● The public has been slow to adopt Bitcoin Cash and it may not be as widely known, especially in comparison to Bitcoin.
● You are responsible for storing your own Bitcoin Cash in a secure wallet. If not done properly, Bitcoin Cash can be irretrievably lost or stolen.
● Bitcoin Cash is volatile and often has fairly large fluctuations in value.
● There is no buyer protection. If you buy goods using Bitcoin Cash and the supplier fails to deliver, you can’t reverse the transaction.
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