Stellar: The Global Network for Fast Payments

Stellar (XLM) is a decentralized cryptocurrency and blockchain platform launched in 2014 by Jed McCaleb, one of Ripple's co-founders. The project's main mission is to facilitate fast, affordable cross-border payments and connect global financial systems. Stellar aims to make money transfers accessible for everyone, including the unbanked population.

Stellar operates on its own open-source blockchain, utilizing the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP). To view transactions, users can utilize Stellar Explorer or the StellarChain block explorer. All operations are transparent and fully accessible for public analysis.

XLM can be stored in official wallets like Lobstr or Solar Wallet, as well as on hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor for cold storage. Top exchanges including Binance, Kraken, Huobi, and KuCoin support Stellar. Always follow security best practices and never share your private keys.

XLM's price, like most cryptocurrencies, is volatile, experiencing significant surges in 2017 and 2021 followed by corrections. Its market capitalization places it among the top 30 digital assets, though it trails behind giants like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Use sites like CoinMarketCap for up-to-date price tracking.

Stellar operates on its own network, distinct from Ethereum or Bitcoin, but supports the creation of tokens similar to ERC-20. The Stellar ecosystem features tokens like USDC (Stellar) and various Anchored Assets. Bridges and gateways allow for interaction with other networks including Ripple and Tron.

To send XLM, you need a minimum account balance (1 XLM). The transaction fee is among the lowest in the industry, typically less than 0.00001 XLM (~$0.000001), making Stellar ideal for micropayments and high-volume transfers compared to Ethereum and Bitcoin.

Stellar stands out for its fast transaction confirmation (5 seconds), ultra-low fees, and native token issuance support. The SCP protocol ensures decentralization and rapid processing. Stellar emphasizes financial inclusion and partners with banks and payment services worldwide.

Stellar has partnered with major organizations such as IBM, MoneyGram, and Circle to develop cross-border payment solutions. The team continues to innovate, expanding the platform's capabilities in DeFi, NFTs, and CBDC projects.