Hedera represents the most frequently utilized, sustainable, enterprise-grade public network tailored for the decentralized economy, enabling individuals and businesses to develop robust decentralized applications (DApps). The network is engineered to be a more equitable and efficient alternative that circumvents several constraints encountered by older blockchain-based platforms, such as sluggish performance and instability. Initially financed through an initial coin offering (ICO) in August 2018, Hedera launched open access to its mainnet slightly over a year later, in September 2019. During the ICO, investors could acquire the platform’s native utility token, HBAR, at the most favorable pricing available. Within the Hedera public network, the HBAR token serves a dual purpose. Primarily, HBAR acts as the fuel propelling Hedera services, including smart contracts, file storage, and standard transactions. Additionally, it contributes to network security, as HBAR users can stake their tokens to aid in maintaining the platform's integrity. Hedera (HBAR) operates as the native cryptocurrency for Hedera Hashgraph, a platform touted as an alternative to conventional blockchain technology, aiming to excel in speed, efficiency, and security. While older blockchains typically employ a consensus mechanism like proof-of-work (PoW) for transaction validation and younger blockchains favor proof-of-stake (PoS), the Hedera Hashgraph system features a custom-built structure tailored specifically for the project. Hedera relies on a PoS model believed to enhance transaction verification efficiency across the network, deliver a high level of security, and safeguard against hacker attacks. Its ecosystem incorporates the underlying hashgraph consensus algorithm alongside a global enterprise governing body. Hedera Hashgraph represents a form of distributed ledger technology (DLT). As per the information on the project website, Hedera distinguishes itself from other blockchains by employing a novel consensus algorithm known as hashgraph. Its design aims to process and execute transactions more swiftly, eliminate delays, and stabilize the transactions per second (TPS) metric. Hashgraph is purported to improve transaction speed, cost, and scalability. Key network services offered by Hedera include: Consensus Service (HCS): HCS allows clients to send messages to the network for orderly consensus timestamping. In this instance, the state is preserved offline, and users can define privacy and access control levels. Hedera Token Service (HTS): HTS facilitates token creation and management for customers, accommodating built-in tokenization. The objective of Hedera’s hashgraph is to enhance transaction speeds. Furthermore, the network is geared towards high-volume activities such as micropayments, data integrity, and tokenization. Similar to the EVM, the Hedera network supports a virtual machine capable of executing smart contracts written in the Solidity programming language. Furthermore, Hedera incorporates a suite of built-in KYC and AML checks. From a technical standpoint, Hedera qualifies as a distributed ledger technology with a unique difference. It uses a hashgraph, a consensus algorithm, in which users agree on the transaction order. Unlike a traditional blockchain, Hedera has its own distinct characteristics and operations. With hashgraph technology, all transaction branches are consolidated, no equivalent block is discarded, and each contributes to reaching a consensus. A notable feature of the network is the Gossip-about-Gossip protocol. As per Dr. Leemon Baird, Hedera's creator, nodes in the system randomly convey data regarding themselves to other nodes via hashgraph using the Gossip protocol. Gradually, all nodes within a cluster become mutually acquainted, leading to the formation of a specific data structure incorporating transaction payloads, timestamps, digital signatures, and hashes linked to preceding structures. HBAR is Hedera's inherent token, powering applications on the Hedera network. It is utilized to cover network services, transaction fees, in-app payments, and micropayments. Developers can settle network fees using HBAR tokens, specifically when engaging in smart contracts, file storage, and currency exchange activities. HBAR also serves as a motivator and compensatory means for network nodes. Hedera Hashgraph is distinguished by its decentralized governance system. All crucial decisions concerning pricing policy, software updates, and asset management are determined by the Governing Council.

Hedera Hashgraph was founded by Dr. Leemon Baird and Mance Harmon. Dr. Leemon Baird is recognized as the inventor of the hashgraph distributed consensus algorithm and currently serves as Hedera's Chief Scientist. Before establishing Hedera Hashgraph, Baird amassed over a decade of experience in various computer science and security roles, and he previously worked as a senior research scientist at the Academy Center by Cyberspace Research. He also serves as co-founder and CTO at Swirlds Inc., a platform for developing decentralized applications (DApps). Conversely, Mance Harmon is the CEO of Hedera and a veteran technology executive with substantial entrepreneurial experience. Harmon has nearly twenty years of experience in executive roles at leading firms, many of which are within the IT security sector. Like Dr. Leemon Baird, Mance Harmon is also a co-founder and CEO at Swirlds Inc. The leadership team at Hedera also includes over a dozen other individuals, many of whom have had esteemed careers.

Unlike most other cryptocurrency platforms, Hedera Hashgraph is not built on a conventional blockchain. Instead, it introduces a completely novel type of distributed ledger technology known as Hashgraph. This technology allows it to enhance many blockchain-based alternatives in various key areas, including speed, cost, and scalability. Hedera transactions have an average transaction fee of only $0.0001 USD and typically achieve finality in under five seconds. Overall, Hedera Hashgraph asserts it can handle more than 10,000 transactions per second (TPS), compared to the approximately 5-20 TPS for most popular proof-of-work (PoW)-based blockchains. The platform offers several major network services, which include: - A token service that allows users to easily configure and mint both fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Hedera with just a few lines of code. - A consensus service that acts as a layer of trust for any application or network that needs a secure, verifiable log of events. - Smart contract tools that enable developers to build powerful and efficient decentralized applications. - Decentralized file storage services with features such as proof-of-deletion, controlled mutability, and time-based file expiry.

The Hedera Hashgraph token, known as HBAR, has a capped total supply of 50 billion units. As of January 2021, nearly seven billion of these were in circulation, representing approximately 14% of the total supply. Hedera provides regular reports that outline the schedule for future HBAR token unlocks. These reports can be accessed on Eulerpool. Based on Hedera's available data, the project's two founders each hold a coin grant of two billion HBARs, which accounts for 4% of the total supply per founder. These tokens are subject to a vesting period of six years. Other senior executives at Hedera, who joined the company prior to 2018, received coin grants ranging from 250 million to 300 million tokens. These allocations are vested over a period concluding in December 2021. Per Hedera's Economics Whitepaper released in June 2020, it is projected that by 2025, approximately 17.03 billion HBAR will be in circulation, amounting to 34% of the total supply.

Hedera Hashgraph employs an innovative consensus mechanism known as Hashgraph consensus to maintain the security of its network. This system is supported by a rotating governing council composed of up to 39 highly diverse organizations across 11 different industries. These entities contribute to guiding the Hedera codebase, making decisions regarding the platform, and operating the initial nodes on the Hedera public network. Hedera implements a unique form of proof-of-stake (PoS), enabling HBAR users to stake their resources to help secure the network. Currently, all Hedera nodes are managed either by Hedera itself or by members of the governing council, with future plans to transition to a permissionless model. Overall, Hedera's security configuration ensures it achieves "asynchronous” Byzantine fault tolerance (ABFT), guaranteeing both the timing and order of a set of transactions, even in cases where some data is delayed or lost.

HBAR is a well-known digital asset available for trading on several leading exchange platforms, such as Binance, Bittrex, and Huobi Global. Among the popular HBAR trading pairs are HBAR/USDT, HBAR/BTC, and HBAR/ETH. Additionally, there are several fiat trading options for this cryptocurrency, including HBAR/USD, HBAR/KRW, and HBAR/INR. For detailed information about purchasing cryptocurrencies with fiat currency, please refer to our comprehensive guide on Eulerpool.