What is Hedera (HBAR)?

Hedera (HBAR) is a decentralized public network that aims to provide a secure and fast platform for building decentralized applications (DApps). Launched in 2018, Hedera employs a unique consensus algorithm known as Hashgraph, designed to enhance scalability, security, and fairness. The HBAR token is the native cryptocurrency of the Hedera network, facilitating transactions, smart contracts, and the overall functionality of the platform. Hedera distinguishes itself by offering fast and low-cost transactions while maintaining a high level of security and decentralization.

How does HBAR work? 

Hedera (HBAR) operates on a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure, utilizing the Hashgraph consensus algorithm. Unlike traditional blockchain systems, Hashgraph does not rely on miners to validate transactions. Instead, it employs a gossip-about-gossip protocol, where nodes share information about transactions, reaching consensus through a voting mechanism.

In this network, each participant communicates with others, and the consensus algorithm ensures that a unique order of transactions is agreed upon. This results in a highly efficient and scalable system, capable of processing more than 10,000 transactions per second, as stated by the team. Additionally, Hedera employs a unique fee structure, where transaction fees are determined by network demand, promoting stability and predictability.

Developers can leverage the Hedera platform to create decentralized applications, benefiting from its speed, security, and low transaction costs. The platform's governance model, with the Hedera Governing Council overseeing key decisions, contributes to its stability and decentralized nature. Overall, Hedera (HBAR) presents itself as a robust and innovative solution within the broader blockchain and DApp development landscape.

It’s important to note that the Hedera network is a "permissioned" network, meaning that central authorization is required for its operation, which differs from "permissionless" blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum that do not require such authorization. Hedera is controlled by the Hedera Foundation, and its validators consist of a select group of companies chosen by the foundation. These validators can be rotated, but their selection and the control over consensus participants contribute to Hedera's efficient performance compared to permissionless blockchains.

What makes HBAR unique?

Hedera (HBAR) stands out in the blockchain space due to several key features that contribute to its uniqueness:

Hashgraph Consensus Algorithm: Hedera employs the Hashgraph consensus algorithm, which differs from traditional blockchain mechanisms. It utilizes a gossip-about-gossip protocol to achieve consensus (a communication method where computers share and confirm information), allowing for high throughput, security, and fairness in transaction validation.

Speed and Scalability: Hedera is designed to be highly scalable, capable of processing more than 10,000 transactions per second. This efficiency is crucial for real-world applications, providing a rapid and responsive environment for users and developers.

Low Transaction Costs: HBAR transactions are arguably known for their low fees. The fee structure is designed to be predictable and stable, ensuring that users and developers can anticipate costs, fostering a more sustainable and user-friendly ecosystem.

Unique Governance Model: Hedera's governance model involves the Hedera Governing Council, a small group of globally distributed and well-established organizations. This council oversees key decisions, contributing to the platform's decentralization and ensuring diverse representation in the decision-making process.

Security Features: The platform prioritizes security, implementing features such as asynchronous Byzantine Fault Tolerance (aBFT). The aBFT is a security feature that ensures the network's ability to reach consensus and validate transactions reliably, even in the presence of potential malicious behavior or system failures, enhancing the overall security and trustworthiness of the platform.

Eco-Friendly Approach: Hedera is designed with energy efficiency in mind. The Hashgraph consensus mechanism is stated to be inherently more energy-efficient compared to traditional Proof-of-Work (PoW) systems, aligning with growing concerns about the environmental impact of blockchain networks.

Developer-Friendly Environment: Hedera offers a developer-friendly platform, providing tools and resources for building decentralized applications (DApps). The network supports a range of programming languages (Java, JavaScript (Node.js), Solidity (Ethereum-compatible), Rust, Python), making it accessible to a broad developer community.

The HBAR token: Utility & tokenomics

Hedera's native cryptocurrency is known as HBAR. It serves multiple purposes within the Hedera network, including transaction fees, securing the network, and enabling developers to create decentralized applications (DApps).

Supply: The total supply of HBAR is capped at 50 billion. Unlike some cryptocurrencies, HBAR does not involve mining, and all tokens were created at the platform's launch.

Distribution: HBAR tokens were initially distributed through a combination of funding rounds and partnerships. Notably, an initial coin offering (ICO) was conducted in August 2018, gathering significant attention and participation from the crypto community. This ICO marked a distinctive approach to token distribution for Hedera Hashgraph. A significant portion of HBAR tokens is held by the Hedera Pre-Minted Treasury. Specifically, 32.41% of the total token supply is allocated to this treasury. Additionally, other notable allocations include 4.44% to employees and 17.4% to SAFTs (Simple Agreements for Future Tokens) and Purchase Agreements. This distribution indicates a centralized aspect in terms of token ownership and control within the Hedera ecosystem.

Transaction Fees: HBAR is used to pay for transaction fees on the Hedera network. This includes transactions, smart contract executions, and file storage.

Node Staking: HBAR holders have the opportunity to stake their tokens to become network nodes. This provides security to the network and offers stakers a chance to earn additional HBAR as rewards.

Network Governance: HBAR holders participate in the platform's governance, with voting rights on decisions related to network upgrades and improvements.

Ecosystem and Adoption: Hedera aims to foster a thriving ecosystem around HBAR, encouraging developers and businesses to engage with the token for various purposes. Its versatility, combined with a clear distribution strategy, positions HBAR as a key element within the broader Hedera Hashgraph network.

History of Hedera (HBAR)

Founders and visionaries

Hedera Hashgraph was established in 2018 by Mance Harmon and Dr. Leemon Baird, two distinguished individuals with extensive backgrounds and expertise in their respective fields. Mance Harmon, co-founder and CEO of Hedera, brings a wealth of experience in technology and entrepreneurship. With a background in computer science, Harmon has held leadership roles in various tech ventures (Course Director for Cybersecurity at US Air Force Academy, Research Scientist in Machine Learning at Wright Laboratory). 

Dr. Leemon Baird, the other co-founder of Hedera, is a renowned computer scientist and inventor. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Baird has a history of pioneering work in distributed ledger technology. His invention of the Hashgraph consensus algorithm, which forms the backbone of Hedera's infrastructure, showcases his profound contributions to the field.

Together, Harmon and Baird lead Hedera Hashgraph with a shared commitment to addressing the limitations of traditional blockchain networks. Their combined expertise and innovative thinking have played a pivotal role in putting Hedera on the blockchain map.

ICO and partnerships

Hedera conducted its initial coin offering (ICO) in August 2018, raising funds to support the development and expansion of its distributed ledger technology. The ICO garnered significant attention and participation from the crypto community.

Hedera Hashgraph has formed impactful partnerships with leading organizations across various industries. Some noteworthy collaborations include associations with companies like Google, IBM, and Boeing in the technology sector, as well as collaborations with financial institutions such as Standard Bank Group. Additionally, Hedera has engaged in partnerships with firms like Chainlink, which focuses on decentralized oracle networks, contributing to the network's growth and adoption. 

Hedera Hashgraph has consistently focused on refining its technology, incorporating feedback from its community and industry experts. Regular updates and improvements have enhanced the network's capabilities, making it a competitive player in the decentralized space. Hedera has cultivated an engaged and diverse community of developers, contributors, and enthusiasts. The network's success is, in part, attributed to the active participation and support from this community.

Price history and performance of Hedera (HBAR)

Over its trading history, Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) has experienced notable price movements and performance metrics:

• HBAR made its debut in September, 2019, with an initial price of $0.09. 
• For the following 2 years, the cryptocurrency remained largely undiscovered, trading below its initial listing price. 
• In February, 2021, HBAR surfaced above this level and embarked on an impressive uptrend: By April, HBAR was trading at $0.4. After a quick cool-off, HBAR reached its all-time high in September, 2021, trading at $0.5. 
• Several other more moderate peaks followed, before HBAR lost momentum and gradually depreciated, trading again, below its initial listing since the summer of 2022. 
• Interesting to notice that Hedera’s course has been roughly in sync with the entire crypto market at large.
• As of January 2024, HBAR is showing signs of recovery, currently trading at around $0.09. 
• The market capitalization of HBAR currently sits at $2,653,843,723 (January, 2024). 

How to buy Hedera (HBAR)?

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