Why does Algorand stand the best chance of becoming a blockchain killer?
Algorand is a revolutionary blockchain that offers unmatched scalability, security, and decentralization. With its unique proof of stake algorithm and fast transaction speeds, Algorand is changing the way we transact and interact on the blockchain. It was the first and only to achieve decentralization, scalability, and security without sacrificing environmental sensitivity. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or simply curious about the future of blockchain technology. Algorand has something to offer. In other words, Algorand is destined to become the world’s most powerful and sustainable blockchain.
Let’s talk about what Algorand is, what its key characteristics are, and why it’s known as the blockchain killer.
What is Algorand?
Algorand is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform based on the pure proof of stake consensus algorithm. The platform was founded and launched in 2019 by computer science professor Silvio Micali, an Italian MIT professor and recipient of the most prestigious Turing award.
The strength of Algorand is its speed, it could ideally process 1,000 transactions per second (TPS), but as part of its latest major protocol upgrade, Algorand will see a 5x performance boost to 6,000 TPS and a 10% reduction in round times to 4s. This upgrade will increase the size of the blocks, and reduce transaction size and latency, which will allow you to generate blocks more frequently and process more transactions per second.
It is also a two-layer blockchain, with the first layer handling simple transactions, and all the important smart contract transactions occur off-chain, on Layer 2, preventing the blockchain from becoming clogged. Its transaction fee is only $0.0003 at the time of writing.
What problem is Algorand addressing?
Algorand intends to address the primary issue that blockchains are currently facing-blockchain trilemma.
To understand this you must first understand three key properties of blockchain:
Decentralization: Decentralization in blockchain refers to the transfer of control and decision-making from a centralized entity to a distributed network.
Security: It is concerned with the overall risk management of a blockchain network, employing frameworks, best practices, and services to reduce attacks.
Scalability: It refers to a blockchain network’s ability to handle an increasing volume of work while also supporting an increasing number of nodes in the network.
The blockchain trilemma refers to the notion that it is difficult for blockchains to achieve optimal levels of all three properties at the same time. The trade-offs must be made in order to prioritize one or two of them.
For example, your blockchain will not be decentralized if it is secure and scalable, or, if you have decentralization and security in your blockchain, you have to face the issue of scalability. The only way to create a complete blockchain is to implement all three properties, which means that a blockchain must be completely decentralized, secure, and scalable. However, in practice, this has proven difficult to achieve.
Algorand’s unique proof-of-stake algorithm aims to address this trilemma and enable scalability, decentralization, and security to co-exist in a single blockchain network. It employs a novel consensus algorithm known as “Pure PoS” or Pure Proof-of-stake, which allows all participating nodes to agree on transaction orders without the need for a central authority.
In addition to that, the blockchain also employs a distinct data structure known as “the Byzantine Agreement.” It enables Algorand to reach an agreement even when some of its participants are malicious. It operates on the premise that if enough honest users own more than two-thirds of the system’s stake, the system will function. In essence, Algorand is the only one that employs a novel consensus algorithm that is intended to be secure, scalable, and decentralized at the same time. This makes it the first blockchain to solve the trilemma successfully.
Algorand is thus far more scalable than other existing blockchain protocols.
Why Algorand is known as a Blockchain Killer?
Algorand is known as a “Blockchain killer” because of its unique features and capabilities that make it a strong competitor to popular blockchain platforms. Here are some points that will help you understand why Algorand is dubbed the “Blockchain Killer.”
One of the key features of Algorand is its high scalability. The platform can process thousands of transactions per second, making it capable of handling large amounts of data and transactions. In contrast, other popular blockchains are renowned for their slow transaction speeds and high fees.
Another important aspect of Algorand is its security. The platform employs a proprietary PoS consensus algorithm known as Pure PoS, which ensures the network’s security and decentralization. Other blockchains, on the other hand, use a proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm that is vulnerable to 51% attacks and centralization, or in some cases PoS, which also suffers from the blockchain trilemma. Currently, Ethereum is preparing for its merge, which will convert its PoW to PoS.
Algorand includes a smart contract language called TEAL that allows developers to easily create and deploy smart contract-based decentralized applications (dApps) on the platform. Also, the new A1 Rollup is expected to launch in October which will add EVM capabilities to Algorand. It will improve blockchain interoperability and expands the number and variety of Dapps available to Algorand users.
Algorand has a low entry barrier for both developers and users. The platform has a low transaction fee and does not require users to hold a certain number of tokens to participate in the network. In contrast, other mainstream blockchain has high transaction fees and requires users to hold a minimum amount of coins to participate in the network.
Conclusion
Algorand is a strong competitor to Ethereum and other potential blockchains due to its high scalability, security, and low barrier to entry. The platform has already piqued the interest of developers and investors, and it is expected to gain traction in the blockchain space in the coming months.
At Webmob, we specialize in developing high-quality software solutions for businesses of all sizes and we already helped 3 of our clients get funding from Algorand itself. We’ve delivered 8+ successful blockchain projects including, Instimatch- a cash management platform, NFT marketplace for the Formula-E supporter, Interchain bridge that connects Ethereum to Algorand, a Crowdfunding app that provides a trusted system for investors, Sharia-compliant Commodity Trading platform for Islamic Finance, and, a Dex Aggregator.
Get in touch with us, if you would be open to discussing potential collaboration opportunities between our companies. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide more information about our services.
Chahat has a deep passion for leveraging blockchain technology to drive innovation and transformation. With over seven years of experience, she has been instrumental in guiding WebMob through the complexities of blockchain adoption. Her expertise and forward-thinking approach make her a key thought leader in the blockchain space, paving the way for a modern decentralized industry.