HBAR/USD: Convert Hedera (HBAR) to United States Dollar (USD)

Hedera, also known as Hedera Hashgraph, is a public network that aims to provide a more efficient and fairer system for the decentralized economy. It is designed to overcome the limitations of older blockchain-based platforms, such as slow performance and instability. Hedera's native cryptocurrency, HBAR, serves a dual role within the network. It powers Hedera services like smart contracts and file storage, and it also helps secure the network as users can stake their tokens to assist with maintaining the platform's integrity. Hedera is not a traditional blockchain but introduces a novel type of distributed ledger technology known as a Hashgraph. This technology allows it to improve upon many blockchain-based alternatives in several key areas, including speed, cost, and scalability.

Hedera operates on a Proof of Stake (PoS) model, which is designed 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 is based on the underlying hashgraph consensus algorithm and a global enterprise governing body. Hedera uses a new consensus algorithm called hashgraph, which aims to process and execute transactions faster, eliminate delays, and smooth out the transactions per second (TPS) indicator. One of the most noticeable features of the network is the Gossip-about-Gossip protocol, where nodes randomly transmit data about themselves to other nodes via hashgraph. This forms a certain data structure consisting of a payload of transactions, a timestamp, a digital signature, and hashes to the previous structures.

Hedera aims to increase the speed of transactions and is also focused on high-volume operations such as micropayments, data integrity, and tokenization. It maintains a virtual machine that writes smart contracts in the Solidity programming language and offers a set of built-in KYC and AML checks. Hedera's potential use cases extend to various sectors, including financial markets, matching engines, supply chain negotiations, and more. It also enables the creation and management of tokens, making it a suitable platform for tokenization of real-world and digital assets. Furthermore, Hedera's low energy consumption and commitment to being a carbon-negative public network make it a sustainable choice for building applications.

Hedera was founded by Dr. Leemon Baird and Mance Harmon. Dr. Baird, the inventor of the hashgraph distributed consensus algorithm, currently serves as Hedera's chief scientist. Mance Harmon, an experienced technology executive and seasoned entrepreneur, is Hedera’s CEO. The platform was funded through an initial coin offering (ICO) in August 2018 and launched open access to its mainnet in September 2019. Hedera Hashgraph has a decentralized governance system, with all critical decisions about pricing policy, software updates, and wealth management made by the Governing Council. The council consists of up to 39 highly diversified organizations that span across up to 11 different industries.