Dash is an open-source, decentralized digital currency that can make online and direct payments quickly, securely, and affordably. Dash is a fork of the original cryptocurrency Bitcoin and has been designed as a user-friendly and scalable global payment system.

Dash is available as a desktop app and supported on mobile devices as an Android or iOS app. In addition, you can also withdraw DASH coins from crypto ATMs around the world, similar to fiat currency.

More than 150,000 merchants and services worldwide support the Dash cryptocurrency as a payment option. The high transaction speed makes it easy to use this crypto as a payment option - a transfer made in DASH gets processed in just one second, making it feasible for real-world applications.

DASH is the native cryptocurrency of the Dash ecosystem and is used to send and receive payments and purchase goods and services in online and offline stores. The DASH coin is mined within the blockchain during validating transactions and block production and is distributed as block rewards among the network's stakeholders - miners and Masternodes.

Dash, like Bitcoin, utilizes a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism but also employs a two-tier network that consists of miners and Masternodes - that operate and maintain special servers. This unique model lets the Dash blockchain implement trustless and decentralized features.

The Masternodes are responsible for powering applications like InstantSend - which allows near-instant transactions on the network; CoinJoin - consumer-grade financial privacy; and ChainLocks - which protects the Dash blockchain from 51% attacks. In addition, these special servers also handle the Governance and Treasury, letting stakeholders allocate 10% of their block rewards to support the networks future development and have a say in its upgrades. Masternodes also manage Dash Evolution, a next-generation decentralized payment infrastructure that aims to use cryptos for payments as quickly as PayPal.

To participate as a Masternode, users must own 1,000 DASH coins, which can be set aside as collateral. 45% of block rewards are set aside to be paid out as incentives for operating Masternodes, offering increased earnings for such users within the network.

This model ensures that the number of Masternodes maintaining the entire blockchain record and contributing to its maintenance remains the same over time - a problem that the Bitcoin blockchain has experienced. This way, the block time and efficiency of the Dash blockchain can stay high over time.

Dash is the brainchild of founder Evan Duffield and a group of individuals who envisioned a more user-friendly alternative to Bitcoin. They designed Dash to have a higher throughput to be used as a payment method in real-world applications, like fiat currency or debit/credit cards.

Duffield launched the Dash blockchain in January 2014. The Masternode functionality went live in May 2014, followed by PrivateSend - a privacy-focused way to enable DASH transfers, in September 2014.

The near-instant finality feature InstantSend was rolled out in February 2015, making DASH more practical as a payment method. The treasury system was unveiled in September 2015, allowing stakeholders to set aside 10% of their block reward earnings to participate in the blockchain's decentralized governance mechanism and foster innovation and growth of its ecosystem.

The next significant milestone occurred in November 2017, when Dash slashed its transaction fees by a factor of 10. In December 2019, the developers rebranded Dash Evolution to Dash Platform - a technology stack to allow developers to design and build decentralized applications (dApps) on the Dash blockchain.

The DASH coin is a good investment if you believe it can replace conventional payment methods. The rising adoption of DASH as a payment method among businesses and consumers could increase the demand for it and the DASH price.

The price of Dash coin could also head higher as more developers design and launch dApps and expand the Dash ecosystem. Innovation in this space could drive up on-chain activity on the Dash blockchain and increase its value as an asset.

The DASH price statistics could also receive a boost from a positive mood in the crypto market. Such sentiment could encourage buying activity and raise the demand for DASH among investors, driving its price.

While it is impossible to accurately predict the price of DASH over any duration, there are several fundamental factors that can affect its volatility. These factors include:

Level of Adoption

The value of DASH crypto increases as more users and merchants adopt it as a payment option. This increased adoption stimulates demand for the digital currency and supports the price of DASH.

Dash Ecosystem

As more developers build and deploy dApps on the Dash Platform, the value of DASH crypto rises. The introduction of more dApps attracts more users, leading to increased on-chain activity on the Dash blockchain and driving the price of $DASH higher.

Future Developments

Investor confidence strengthens when the developers behind Dash launch new features or announce new partnerships and integrations. Increased investor interest in DASH crypto can have a positive impact on its value.

Market Sentiment

Market sentiment is a crucial factor in determining price trends for any cryptocurrency. Positive or risk-on sentiment among investors increases buying activity and can lower the price of DASH. Conversely, bearish or risk-off sentiment leads to sell-offs in the crypto market, weakening the price of Dash coin.

DASH is the native crypto coin of the Dash blockchain and ecosystem. Here's what it is used for:

Digital Currency

DASH is used as a digital currency to send and receive payments worldwide and pay for purchasing goods and services offline and online. Dash features meager transaction fees and near-instant settlements, making it an attractive alternative to traditional payment methods.

Mining

As Dash is a PoW blockchain, you can mine DASH coins by participating in block production and transaction verification activities in the network. As a miner, you must solve cryptographically complex mathematical problems and help secure the blockchain.

Block Rewards

DASH is distributed as a reward to miners who add new blocks to the Dash blockchain. It is also given as an incentive to Masternodes that run special servers and support various additional services that form the Dash ecosystem.

Crypto Asset to Trade and HODL

Trade Dash crypto against other cryptocurrencies to profit from changing market conditions and volatility. You can buy or sell DASH against other crypto assets or hold it long-term if you believe in the future potential of the Dash network. Review the live price of Dash crypto, DASH market cap, circulating supply, 24-hour trading volume, and the latest crypto news before trading DASH in the market.

Earn Passive Income on BYDFi

You can also earn passive income and grow your DASH holdings risk-free and conveniently. Head to BYDFi Crypto Lending to lend liquidity in DASH and earn attractive daily interest over seven days, 14 days, or 28 days.

Mining is a lucrative way to earn DASH and grow your crypto portfolio. Here's how to do solo mining on the Dash blockchain using your computer (CPU):

1. Download a reliable and reputed mining software that supports DASH mining on your desktop computer or laptop.

2. Configure the software by selecting a mining pool from the available options and setting up your Dash wallet address.

3. Test your configurations hash speed and payouts, and ensure that your miner does not strain your CPUs processing power or operating temperature.

4. Adjust the number of threads to make the mining operation more efficient. If you would like to mine more, consider increasing your processing power and adding an extra fan to keep your CPU cool when mining DASH.

5. After successfully configuring your mining software, sit back, participate in mining new blocks, and earn block rewards in $DASH.

You can also mine DASH using P2Pools in a distributed manner. This method decentralizes hash power and lets you contribute your hash power to a common pool.

This option is incredibly convenient if you lack the technical skills to set up and operate a crypto miner. It could also generate higher mining rewards than solo mining due to the combined higher hash power. Find available Dash P2Pools at this link.