Ada Cardano: Complete guide to investors

Ada Cardano is one of the most promising projects in the world of cryptocurrencies, offering a solid infrastructure for smart contracts and decentralized applications. Launched in 2017, this innovative blockchain quickly attracted attention due to its advanced technology and scientific approach. But who are the founders of Ada Cardano and what does this project do so different from the other cryptocurrencies? In this article, we will explain how the project was born, what are the main developmental phases and the reasons that make an investment option worth noting.

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Ada Cardano
Photo source: channel

What is Ada Cardano

Ada Cardano is a distributed calculation platform that uses blockchain technology and supports the Cryptocyda Ada. The project was launched in 2017 and is run by the Blockchain Input Hong Kong (IOHK) technology company, under the leadership of Charles Hoskinson , one of the Ethereum co-founders.

Who is Charles Hoskinson

Charles Hoskinson is a well -known personality in the Blockchain community, being a mathematician and entrepreneur with a deep passion for decentralization. After its significant contribution to Ethereum, Hoskinson realized that the cryptocurrency industry had uncoated needs, such as scalability, energy efficiency and interoperability between various blockchains.

In 2015, Charles Hoskinson founded Iohk (Input Output Hong Kong), a company dedicated to blockchain research and development. Iohk is the engine behind Cardano, constantly working to provide a sustainable and safe blockchain platform.

What are the goals of the Ada Cardano platform

The primary purposes of the Cardano platform include the development of smart contracts, decentralized applications (DAPPS), side chains and other advanced features. Cardano has been developed to solve problems identified in other blockchain networks, such as high energy consumption, lack of scalability and security issues.

What is the consensus mechanism used by Ada Cardano

Unlike many existing blockchains, Ada Cardano uses a proof-Stake (POS) consensus mechanism (POS), which makes it more energy efficient compared to the proof-work (POW) used by Bitcoin or Ethereum (in its original version). 

Ada Cardano operates on two main layers:

  1. Cardano Settlement layer (CSL): It works as a register that manages the transactions and storage of the Ada currency.
  2. Cardano Computation Layer (CCL): It is the layer dedicated to administering Smart contracts and decentralized applications. This separation allows Cardano to update or improve certain features without affecting the whole ecosystem.

Why is Cardano unique

Cardano is not just a regular blockchain; It is a project built on solid scientific research and a well -defined methodology. Here are some of the features that make it unique:

  1. The scientific approach

What Cardano does really special is its methodology based on academic research. The platform was developed by a formal math verification process (called "peer review"), which means that all concepts and protocols are revised and validated by researchers before implementation. Each step of the development has been documented and analyzed, which offers users assuring that the project is scalable and secure.

  1. Ouroboros algorithm

Cardano uses a unique consensus algorithm called Ouroboros , one of the first formal proof-stake (POS) protocols. Unlike the mechanisms based on proof-office (POW), used by Bitcoin, Ouroboros has a high energy efficiency and is environmentally friendly.

  1. Focus on interoperability and scalability

Another major advantage of Cardano is its modular structure, which allows interoperability between multiple blockchain. Also, the system is able to manage a large volume of transactions due to its layer scaling solutions. This stratified structure offers flexibility and efficiency, reducing the risk of network congestion.

  1. Long -term sustainability

Cardano founders also considered the financial sustainability of the network. Cardano uses a management system collected from transaction taxes and other sources, through which some of the collected taxes are reinvested in the continuous development of the network. Thus, the need for constant external financing is eliminated.

  1. Global support and key partnerships

Another unique aspect of Cardano is its social impact. The project has a global vision, focusing on solutions that can improve the lives of people in developing countries. For example, Cardano collaborates with Africa governments and organizations to implement transparent blockchain solutions such as education and agriculture

Programs and collaborations:

  • Education: The program attaches to verify academic credentials in Georgia.
  • Innovation: Cardano has collaborated with the New Balance footwear manufacturer to create a pilot program that uses blockchain technology to watch the authenticity of products.
  • Ethiopia: Cardoano collaborated with the Ethiopia government to implement a blockchain -based digital identity system for 5 million students 
  • Collaborations with the European Union for the development of blockchain solutions that comply with European data protection regulations.

The advanced technologies used by Cardano, such as multi -layered architecture and the use of Haskell programming language, demonstrate the commitment of this blockchain to provide sustainable and reliable solutions. See Whitepaper Ada Cardano here.

Ada Cardano: What is the Ouroboros mechanism

To maintain network security and confirm transactions, Ada Cardano uses Ouroboros, an advanced proof-stake protocol. This protocol allows participants to 'block' Ada coins, and slot leaders, ie participants randomly selected from those who have staking, are designated to create new blocks.

Simply said, Cardano chooses validators not by calculation power, but by the amount of ada that each user blocks.

What is the Ouroboros mechanism?

Ouroboros is the first proof-stake (POS) protocol that has been mathematically proven. Unlike proof-office protocols (POW), it offers a sustainable and energy efficient for blockchain networks. Ouroboros was created based on research revised by experts in the field and combines advanced technology with economic philosophy and behavioral psychology.

The benefits of the ouroboros mechanism

Mathematically verified security 

The mechanism provides strong guarantees against cyber attacks. As long as 51% of the total stake (in the case of Cardano, Ada) is owned by honest participants, the network remains safe.

Energy efficiency 

Ouroboros requires a fraction of the energy consumed by POW mechanisms, such as the one used by bitcoin. It is up to four million times more energy efficient, thus contributing to a sustainable future.

Scalability and performance 

Ouroboros allows the networking of networks by adding knots to the network, increasing the performance without requiring strong hardware or high energy consumption.

Rewards and economic sustainability 

The protocol includes a system of incentives for participants. Those who operate Stake Pools or delegate their ADA to stakes can win rewards, thus ensuring the network sustainability.

Stake Pools system 

The network is based on stakes operated by knots. Each network slot randomly selects a slot leader, who receives the reward for adding a block to blockchain.

How does the Ouroboros mechanism work?

Ouroboros divides the chain of blocks into eras, which are subdivided into Time Slots (time intervals). For each slot, a leader is elected randomly and is responsible for adding a block in the chain. This process ensures the distribution and equity of the network participation.

In order to protect the integrity of the network, each leader must consider the last few blocks as "transient". Only the chain of blocks preceding a certain number of transient blocks is considered safe.

This mechanism, called Settlement Delay, is the key to Ada Cardano's Blockchain security and stability.

Why is a revolutionary mechanism ouroboros?

Ouroboros defines the future of blockchain by implementing a safe, efficient and scalable model, which exceeds the deficiencies of traditional models such as POW. It is a perfect example of how technology can evolve to meet the requirements of a constantly changing environment. Using Ouroboros, Cardano has managed to create an advanced technologically, but also ecological blockchain at the same time.

 

Ada Cardano Hard Forks
Photo source: channel

 

Ada Cardano Hard Forks

In the world of blockchain, a "hard fork" is a radical change in the protocol that makes the blocks and transactions previously become invalid. This often leads to the creation of two separate blockchains: the old and the new one. 

What is a hard fork in Cardano?

In the context of Ada Cardano, a hard fork represents the network update to a new version, including advanced functions or substantial improvements. Unlike hard forks in other blockchain ecosystems that can create parallel systems (such as Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash), Ada Cardano hard forms are non-discontinu. These are supported by a collective consensus of stakes (spo) stakes and blockchain community, which ensures a smooth transition. 

How does this happen?

Unlike other systems, Ada Cardano does not see a hard fork as a separation, but rather as a planned and coordinated transformation. All the nodes in the network pass simultaneously to a new era, implementing advanced functionalities or new validation rules, within some project development phases developed on the basis of rigorous research.  

The chronology of the hard cards hard forks 

Over time, Cardano has gone through several important updates, each marking a step towards improving the network performance. Here's what each era brought:

Byron was 

  • Launch: first Cardano protocol. During this period, Cardano's technological bases were laid, including the implementation of the Classic Ouroboros consensus protocol.
  • Key function 
  • Purpose: Establishing a Robust Foundation for Blockchain 
  • Protocol version: 1.0 

Essentially, it was Byron was a pioneering phase, in which the basic infrastructure of the cardano blockchain was built.

Shelley was 

  • Launch: decentralization and staking opportunities 
  • Key functionality: Switching from a centralized network to decentralized 
  • Impact: Users became active participants by staking 
  • Protocol version: 2.0 

Shelley has allowed users to directly contribute to blockchain security and stability, strengthening the decentralization aspect. 

Allegra was 

  • Key functionality: inserting the support for "token blocking". This allows token locking for a certain period of time, opening new possibilities for decentralized applications (DAPPS) and on on-chain governance.
  • Applicability: Preparatory scenarios for smart contracts 
  • Protocol version: 3.0 

Tokens blocking has opened the way for new cases of use, including Blockchain vote. Era Allegra prepared the land for the introduction of functionalities that allowed the management of native Cardano assets.

Mary was 

  • Key functionality: Mary has introduced support for native assets on the Cardano blockchain. This means that users can create and manage their own personalized tokens directly on the network, without the need for complex intelligent contracts.
  • Major benefit: Creating and trading custom tokens 
  • Protocol version: 4.0 

Mary has transformed Ada Cardano into an ecosystem Multi-Asset, similar to Ethereum, but more efficient in terms of costs. 

Alonzo was 

  • Key function 
  • Impact: Launch of decentralized applications (DAPPS) 
  • Protocol version: 5.0 and 6.0 

This was a monumental stage for developers interested in DAPPS on the Ada Cardano platform. 

Babbage was 

  • Functionalities: 
    • Improvements in performance and scalability 
    • Optimizations for float 
  • Protocol version: 7.0 and 8.0 

This era bears the name of Vasil Dabov, an appreciated member of the Cardano community, and brought a faster network with lower costs. 

Conway was 

  • Key Functionalities: 
    • First wave of decentralized governance (CIP-1694) 
    • New network management functions through the Right Role 
  • Protocol version: 9.0 and 10.0 

Conway opens the road for a self-government future, strengthening the foundation of a real autonom-economic community. 

What does these updates mean to users? 

  • A more stable and safe network: the updates in each era have been implemented to make Ada Cardano faster, more scalable and safer.
  • More advanced functionality: from the creation of personalized tokens to the running of complex intelligent contracts, users have continuous access to new functions.
  • Active participation: Decentralized governance allows each user to contribute to the next blockchain direction.
  • Reduced costs for transactions: Performance improvements optimize costs, making Ada Cardano an attractive choice in the blockchain industry.

 

Ada Cardano price
Source: Coinmarketcap

What is Ada, the native token Cardano

Ada is the Cardano native cryptocurrency, used in the ecosystem to facilitate transactions, support decentralized applications and reward the network participants. Officially launched in 2017, 57.6% of Ada's total offer was allocated to investors in an initial currency offer (ICO), through which Cardano gathered USD 62.2 million. 

How many Cardano (ADA) cryptocurrencies was in circulation. Marketcap.

Unlike some digital currencies that do not have a fixed limit, the offer of Ada has a maximum ceiling of 45 billion chips.

At the time of writing this article, according to Coingeko , about 36 billion Ada coins are in circulation. Here are details about its original distribution:

  • Between September 2015 and January 2017, IOHK (Input Output Hong Kong) organized five round sales rounds, allowing investors to support the project and get ADA tokens at initial prices.
  • 2.5 billion Ada were allocated Iohk to finance network development.
  • 2.1 billion Ada were offered to Emurgo for its contributions to the Cardano Foundation.
  • 648 million Ada were distributed to the Cardano Foundation to promote the network and its adoption.

MarketCap Ada: 24.557.435.426 USD

Evolution Price Ada over time

2017-2018: Launch and first increases

  • Ada entered the market in 2017, during a general wave of enthusiasm for digital assets.
  • In January 2018, the price reached over $ 1, marking its first historical maximum.
  • After that initial boom, the value began to decrease significantly, reflecting a market correction.

2019-2020: Consolidation period

  • These years have marked a relative stabilization of the Ada price, although there were moderate fluctuations.
  • The team behind Cardano worked on the technological development of the project, preparing the launch of Shelley, an essential step for the complete decentralization of the network. In December 2020, the price of Ada is around $ 0.1688.

2021: Explosive growth

  • 2021 was a turning point for Ada, fueled by a high general interest in cryptocurrency and the success of Shelley update.
  • In September 2021, Ada reached the historical maximum of $ 3.10.

2022-2024: Decline and consolidation

  • The global economic vicinity and the return of a "bear" market for cryptocurrencies led to a significant decline in Ada price in 2022 and 2023. The price of Ada oscillated mainly in the range 0.23 - 0.40 USD.
  • However, the Ecosystem Ada Cardano continues its expansion, and the community remains active and trustworthy in the future of the project.

In November 2024, against the background of Donald Trump's return to the White House, the cryptocurrency market experienced a period of significant growth, and Ada also recorded a considerable increase in value, reaching a price of 1,3189 in December 2024.

Today, 01.04.2025, a token Ada is worth about $ 0.68.

Mining and staking in Ada Cardano

There are two main methods for staking in Ada Cardano:

  1. Running of one's own node unit: This process requires advanced technical knowledge. The holder of such a node receives a greater reward for the work done.
  2. Delegation of operations: those who do not want to manage their own node can delegate Ada currency to an existing node operator. In this case, the benefit is divided between the delegator and the node operator.

Staking in Cardano not only is profitable, but also facilitates network scalability, based on active participation from the community.

Conclusion

Ada Cardano represents the future of blockchain, because it combines academic research with practice to provide scalable, safe and innovative functionality. Whether you are an investor and you want to better understand this revolutionary project, or explore new technological opportunities, Cardano has the potential to play a central role in transforming the Blockchain sector.

Do you want to know more about blockchain and cryptocurrency technology? We invite you to the Abarai blog where you will find a number of valuable educational resources as well as up -to -date information about the latest events and developments in the Blockchain and Crypto industry.

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