Digital Currency

Digital currency is a form of currency that exists only in electronic or digital form, without a physical counterpart like coins or banknotes. It enables peer-to-peer transactions over digital networks, often leveraging cryptography for security and decentralization. Examples include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and digital payment systems.

Also known as: Cryptocurrency, Digital Money, Electronic Currency, Virtual Currency, Crypto

Why learn Digital Currency?

Developers should learn about digital currency to build applications in fintech, blockchain, and decentralized finance (DeFi), where it underpins technologies like smart contracts and digital wallets. It's essential for roles involving payment processing, financial innovation, or systems requiring secure, borderless transactions without intermediaries.

Learning Resources

• docs: Bitcoin Whitepaper
• course: Coursera: Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
• docs: Investopedia: Digital Currency Definition
• video: YouTube: How Cryptocurrency Works
• book: Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas M. Antonopoulos