Introduction
Bitcoin remains the pioneer of cryptocurrencies, with thousands of other digital assets emerging to address different use cases, technological limitations, and user needs. These are collectively referred to as altcoins, abbreviated as "alternative coins." But what exactly does altcoin mean, and why are they becoming increasingly important in 2025? This article will analyze in detail the definition, types, advantages, risks, and the evolving role of altcoins in the maturing crypto ecosystem.
What is minting?
Altcoins refer to any cryptocurrency that is not Bitcoin. Since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, developers have created new digital currencies to improve scalability, reduce fees, enhance privacy features, or serve entirely new industries such as gaming or artificial intelligence. Some altcoins operate on their own blockchains, while others are built on platforms like Ethereum or Solana.