Networks field guide

Cardano.

A research-driven proof-of-stake network.

Cardano is a blockchain platform for sending ADA and running applications, with an emphasis on peer-reviewed design and proof-of-stake security.

What it isWhy it mattersWhat can go wrongWhat to do next

NetworkProof of Stake

Supply45 billion ADA max

Birthday / launchSeptember 2017 — Cardano mainnet launch

Know the backstory

September 2017 — Cardano mainnet launch

Built by: Developed by IOHK with the Cardano Foundation and EMURGO; Charles Hoskinson was a co-founder of IOHK

Cardano launched after years of research-led development. Its proof-of-stake protocol is called Ouroboros, and the network introduced smart-contract capability later through staged upgrades.

Why it stands apart

A research-driven proof-of-stake network.

Cardano separates owning ADA from operating a stake pool: holders can delegate stake while retaining control of their coins in their wallet.

Bottom line: Cardano has its own design, trade-offs, and risks. Learn the network before you use the asset.

Follow the money

What happens after you hit send.

A wallet creates and signs an ADA or contract transaction.
Nodes check the transaction against the current ledger rules.
Time is divided into epochs and slots; a stake-pool leader is selected to make a block.
Other participants validate the block, and the chain advances under Ouroboros consensus.

Know the economics

Where new ADA comes from.

ADA has a stated maximum supply of 45 billion. Staking rewards come from protocol reserves and transaction fees according to the network's reward rules.

Protect the downside

The mistake you cannot undo.

Delegating ADA should not require giving anyone a recovery phrase. Scam pools and fake wallet support do ask for it; do not share it. Smart contracts and bridges add separate risks.

Go beyond the summary

The subject in plain English.

Cardano is a separate system with its own rules, people, and trade-offs. This page explains the basics in plain English so you can understand it before deciding whether to use it.

Start with the plain version

Cardano is a blockchain platform for sending ADA and running applications, with an emphasis on peer-reviewed design and proof-of-stake security.

Its birthday and backstory

September 2017 — Cardano mainnet launch. Cardano launched after years of research-led development. Its proof-of-stake protocol is called Ouroboros, and the network introduced smart-contract capability later through staged upgrades.

Who is behind it?

Developed by IOHK with the Cardano Foundation and EMURGO; Charles Hoskinson was a co-founder of IOHK. Names can explain a project’s history, but they do not make an asset safe or guarantee its future.

What keeps the record

Cardano uses Proof of Stake. ADA holders can delegate to stake pools. Those pools help produce blocks; delegation does not require handing over ownership of your ADA.

Supply, fees, and incentives

ADA has a stated maximum supply of 45 billion. Staking rewards come from protocol reserves and transaction fees according to the network's reward rules.

The part to take seriously

Delegating ADA should not require giving anyone a recovery phrase. Scam pools and fake wallet support do ask for it; do not share it. Smart contracts and bridges add separate risks.

What people use it for

Where this matters.

Learn how the network records activity
Understand the difference between the asset, the network, and the company around it
Recognize the correct network before a transfer
Check whether a wallet or service actually supports this asset

Before you act

Verify before you sign.

Find the project through an official link, not an ad, reply, or direct message.
Confirm the exact name, ticker, network, and token or contract address.
Do not share a recovery phrase, private key, or remote access with anyone.
Use a small test transaction before moving an amount that matters.
Treat every purchase, yield offer, or app approval as a separate risk decision.

Common questions

Clear answers before money moves.

When did Cardano begin? +

September 2017 — Cardano mainnet launch

Who built Cardano? +

Developed by IOHK with the Cardano Foundation and EMURGO; Charles Hoskinson was a co-founder of IOHK

What blockchain does it use? +

Cardano uses Proof of Stake. Cardano separates owning ADA from operating a stake pool: holders can delegate stake while retaining control of their coins in their wallet.

What is the safest first step? +

Read the official documentation, verify the correct network, and make a tiny test before connecting a meaningful wallet or sending a meaningful amount.

Primary sources