Ethereum is a blockchain-based computing platform and operating system whose core innovation is enabling smart contracts. Ethereum's smart contract functionality, and versatile scripting language, have made it the most popular network for creating decentralized applications. What makes Ethereum different from Bitcoin is that its primary purpose is to serve as a general purpose blockchain for creating DApps, and not as a payment network. Ethereum was created by Vitalik Buterin. It was launched in July 2015 and has become one of the most important blockchain platforms in the industry. Ether is the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain and can can be used as a transfer of value, as well as a form of compensation for mining. The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) executes scripts using a network of public nodes. "Gas" is used as an internal transaction pricing mechanism that decides how resources are used on the network.

PIRL is a community based blockchain project focused on making cryptocurrencies more accessible. It was the first blockchain to introduce an Ethash-based masternode. Their goal is to develop a comprehensive DApps hosting infrastructure that will be easy to use. Their Poseidon platform is designed to be an on ramp for users without any technical knowledge. PIRL's multi-tiered masternode network has an ASIC-resistant Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, and is powered by the PIRL coin. The company plans on developing features, such as: decentralized file storage, messaging, and escrow services for payments.

Decred (DCR) is a decentralized currency with an emphasis on community based governance. Decred is led by several early adopters of Bitcoin and is designed to implement many of the goals of early Bitcoin idealists. Decred is highly focused on community contribution and governance. Users that contribute to the community can receive compensation for their work and anybody can submit a proposal ti make an improvement to the platform.
Decred has a hybrid Proof-of-Activity (PAC) consensus algorithm that combines the mining of Proof-of-Work (PoW) with the stake verifying model of Proof-of-Stake (PoS). It's designed to incentivize the community to participate and to reward both miners and stake verifiers. When DCR is mined, PoW miners receives 60% of the coins, PoS voters receive 30%, and 10% goes towards the development of the Decred platform.

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