Hedera is the most used, sustainable, enterprise-grade public network for the decentralized economy that allows individuals and businesses to create powerful decentralized applications (DApps).
It is designed to be a fairer, more efficient system that eliminates some of the limitations that older blockchain-based platforms face — such as slow performance and instability.
It was funded through an initial coin offering (ICO) in August 2018 and first launched open access to its mainnet just over a year later in September 2019. As part of the ICO, investors were able to purchase the platform’s native utility token (HBAR) at the lowest possible pricing.
The HBAR token has a dual role within the Hedera public network.
First and foremost, HBAR the fuel that powers Hedera services, such as smart contracts, file storage and regular transactions. Second, it's used to help secure the network, since HBAR users can stake their tokens to assist with maintaining the integrity of the platform.
Hedera (HBAR) is the native cryptocurrency of Hedera Hashgraph, a platform that is positioned as an alternative to traditional blockchain technology and aims to excel in speed, efficiency and security.
Older blockchains tend to use a consensus mechanism like proof-of-work (PoW) to validate transactions, while younger blockchains opted for proof-of-stake (PoS). The Hedera Hashgraph system has a structure that was created from scratch particularly for the project. Hedera is based on a PoS model that is believed to increase the efficiency of transaction verification in the network, provide a high level of security, and protect the network from hacker attacks. Its ecosystem has the underlying hashgraph consensus algorithm and the global enterprise governing body.
Hedera Hashgraph is a distributed ledger technology (DLT). According to the project website, Hedera differs from other blockchains because it uses a new consensus algorithm called hashgraph. It intends to process and execute transactions faster, eliminate delays, and smooth out the TPS (transactions per second) indicator. Hashgraph is claimed to be an upgrade in transaction speed, cost, and scalability.
Core network services by Hedera:
Consensus Service (HCS). With HCS, clients send messages to the network to negotiate consensus timestamping and order. In this case, the state is stored offline, and users can define privacy and access control.
Hedera Token Service (HTS). Thanks to HTS, token creation and management are available to customers. It supports built-in tokenization.
The goal of Hedera’s hashgraph is to increase the speed of transactions. Moreover, the network is also focused on high-volume operations: micropayments, data integrity and tokenization.
Like the EVM, the Hedera network maintains a virtual machine that writes smart contracts in the Solidity programming language. On top of that, Hedera offers a set of built-in KYC and AML checks.
From a technical point of view, Hedera is a form of distributed ledger technology. It is a hashgraph, or consensus algorithm, where users agree on the order in which transactions should be performed. However, Hedera is not exactly a blockchain. It has its own distinctiveness and works differently. With hashgraph, all transaction branches are merged, no block equivalent is thrown away, and each is used to reach consensus.
One of the most noticeable features of the network is the Gossip-about-Gossip protocol. According to Dr. Leemon Baird, Hedera's inventor, within the system nodes randomly transmit data about themselves to other nodes via hashgraph using the Gossip protocol. Soon, all nodes in a cluster become familiar with each other. Then a certain data structure is formed. It consists of a payload of transactions, a timestamp, a digital signature, and hashes to the previous structures.
HBAR is Hedera's native token that powers applications on the Hedera network. HBAR is utilized to pay for network services, transaction fees, in-app payments and micropayments. Developers can pay network fees with HBAR tokens, namely: work with smart contracts, file storage and currency exchange. HBAR is used to incentivize and pay network nodes.
Hedera Hashgraph has a decentralized governance system that is set apart. All critical decisions about pricing policy, software updates, and wealth management are made by the Governing Council.
Hedera Hashgraph (WHBAR) is the native cryptocurrency of the Hedera public network, designed to serve as a decentralized platform for creating powerful decentralized applications (DApps). WHBAR plays a dual role within the Hedera network. Firstly, it serves as fuel to power various Hedera services, including smart contracts, file storage, and regular transactions. Secondly, users can stake WHBAR to enhance network security. Unlike traditional blockchains, Hedera leverages hashgraph technology, offering advantages in speed, cost, and scalability.
How to Buy HBAR
1. How to Buy HBAR on Exchanges
Step 1: Choose a reputable exchange platform
Select a trustworthy platform from numerous exchanges to make your purchase. Some trusted platforms include Coinbase, Binance, OKX, among others.
Step 2: Register an account
Create an account on the chosen exchange platform. You may need to provide personal information (such as phone number, email) to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete identity verification
For security reasons, some platforms may require you to undergo identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions, providing necessary identity information (such as country/ID number) and undergo facial recognition if prompted. Once your identity is confirmed, you'll receive notification.
Step 4: Link your bank or payment method
Link your bank account or other payment methods to the exchange platform for making payments when purchasing HBAR.
Step 5: Purchase HBAR
Find the option to buy coins on the exchange platform, select the C2C buying process, then input the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to purchase. Typically, you'll choose to buy USDT first and then proceed with the purchase method. Simply place your order, make payment to the seller, and you'll receive the cryptocurrency. Once the payment is completed, you can use your exchange assets to buy HBAR.
Step 6: Store your HBAR
After purchase, you can choose to store HBAR in the digital wallet provided by the exchange platform or transfer it to a hardware wallet under your control.
Step 7: Security Tips
To protect your exchange account and HBAR assets, it's essential to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
2. How to Buy HBAR via Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading
Over-the-counter (OTC) HBAR trading occurs directly between buyers and sellers, bypassing exchanges or other intermediaries. Here are the general steps for OTC HBAR trading:
Step 1: Find an OTC trading channel
Start by finding a reliable OTC trading platform or service provider. These platforms typically offer online marketplaces or ways to connect with brokers for trading.
Step 2: Register an account
Sign up for an account on the chosen OTC trading platform. You may need to provide some personal information (phone/email) to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete identity verification
For security purposes, some platforms may require you to undergo identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions to provide necessary identity information (nationality/ID) and undergo facial recognition or other verification steps.
Step 4: Browse the trading list
After logging into your account, browse through the platform's trading list to find HBAR trades that interest you. You can choose trades based on the trader's reputation rating, trade volume, price, and payment methods.
Step 5: Select a trading partner
Once you find a suitable trade, click to enter the trading page and carefully review the trader's terms and conditions. Ensure you understand and agree to the trader's requirements, such as trade amount, payment method, trade time, etc.
Step 6: Negotiate trade details
After reaching an agreement with the trader, you can negotiate trade details such as trade amount, payment method, trade time, and location.
Step 7: Make payment
According to the agreement reached with the trader, use the chosen payment method to pay the HBAR purchase amount to the seller.
Step 8: Confirm receipt
Once the trader confirms receiving your payment, they will release HBAR to the HBAR address you provided. You can check your HBAR wallet balance after the trade to confirm its success.
3. How to Buy HBAR through Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
Buying HBAR on decentralized exchanges (DEX) differs from purchasing other cryptocurrencies on centralized exchanges. Here are the general steps for buying HBAR on DEX:
Step 1: Choose a HBAR-supporting wallet
Create a new wallet supporting HBAR assets, then select a decentralized exchange that supports HBAR.
Step 2: Connect your wallet
Before using the DEX, you need to connect a wallet supporting the HBAR blockchain. You can connect your wallet to the selected DEX via browser extension or mobile application.
Step 3: Deposit funds
In your wallet, select deposit and choose the asset you want to deposit (such as stablecoins). Follow the wallet prompts to complete the deposit process.
Step 4: Find the trading pair
Search or browse for the HBAR trading pair on the DEX. Typically, you can find a search box or a list of trading pairs on the exchange's homepage or trading interface.
Step 5: Place an order
Once you find the HBAR trading pair, you can choose between market or limit orders and input the quantity you want to purchase. Ensure you input the correct price and quantity in the order, then confirm the order.
Step 6: Wait for the trade to execute
Your order will be submitted to the HBAR blockchain and wait for confirmation and execution by miners. Once the order is executed, you will receive the purchased HBAR, which you can view in your wallet balance.
Step 7: Withdraw funds
After completing the trade, you can choose to withdraw the purchased HBAR to your wallet for safer storage of your digital assets.
4. Official Channels for HBAR Project Team or Community
Sometimes, the HBAR project team or community may launch official channels for direct HBAR purchases. This may include private placements, presales, or other forms of direct sales.