Overview
Cardano is a Layer 1 that emphasizes peer-reviewed research and formal methods. Its design goal is a high assurance base layer.
Highlights
- Ouroboros is its proof-of-stake family of protocols, with published security arguments.
- A settlement layer and a computation layer are separated so each can change on its own schedule.
- Governance work under the Voltaire era, plus a research-oriented foundation, is part of the project’s public roadmap.
Token model
The cap is 45 billion. Unreleased coins are distributed over time, largely as staking rewards. A large share of circulating ADA is typically staked.
FAQ
What is distinctive about Cardano?
Protocol changes are written up and reviewed in public research, and much of the node software is written in Haskell. That process does not guarantee the absence of bugs.