Altcoins, or alternative cryptocurrencies to Bitcoin, have become an essential part of the digital asset market. They aim to improve upon Bitcoin’s limitations by offering faster transactions, lower fees, or innovative features such as smart contracts, privacy enhancements, and interoperability. Popular examples include Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano. Many altcoins serve specific purposes, from powering decentralized applications to enabling cross-border payments. While altcoins can offer high growth potential, they are also highly volatile and risky. Investors should research project fundamentals, market demand, and technology before investing. Diversification and risk management are key to navigating the dynamic altcoin landscape successfully.