Dash

Launched in January 2014, Dash gets its name from digital cash and initially began as a fork of Litecoin (LTC). However, after a protocol update, the Dash codebase changed from a Litecoin fork to a Bitcoin fork. Dash is a digital payments platform. While Dash shares a fundamental architecture with Bitcoin, it incorporates a distinctive feature. Dash operates on a two-tier network, consisting of layer 1 (similar to Bitcoin's regular nodes) and layer 2, which involves Masternodes. These masternodes provide additional security and supervisory services. This innovative setup enhances scalability, security, transaction speed, and privacy. Evan Duffield, Dash's founder, introduced this structure to address issues like Bitcoin's slow transaction speed, cumbersome governance, and lack of optional privacy features.

Originally, the Dash protocol was called Xcoin and later Darkcoin before rebranding to Dash.

According to Coinmarketcap, in September 2023, The maximum supply of DASH is 18.9 million, of which more than 11 million DASH are in circulation.

Dash uses a Proof-of-work consensus mechanism, like Bitcoin.

The Dash blockchain stopped processing transactions and producing new blocks for 16 hours in May 2023 when an update did not go as planned.

Dash has great utility in the international payment space due to its speed and ease. It can be used online or offline.

Dash has a roadmap planned which include support for NFTs and two versions of a dedicated Dash Platform. They have a dedicated team working towards its execution.