[Internet Computer Protocol (ICP)](https://internetcomputer.org/) is a decentralized computing network that aims to reinvent the internet as we know it. It was developed by the DFINITY Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on creating a more secure and open internet. ICP aims to replace the traditional client-server model of the internet with a more efficient and scalable network that runs on a decentralized blockchain. ICP coin is the native cryptocurrency of the network. 

ICP is built on the same principles as blockchain technology, using a consensus mechanism to verify and validate transactions. However, instead of focusing solely on financial transactions like Bitcoin or Ethereum, ICP seeks to enable the creation of a decentralized cloud computing platform. 

This platform is designed to allow developers to create and run applications that can be accessed globally without centralized servers. 

The ICP network comprises a series of interconnected nodes that work together to provide a seamless user experience. When users access an application built on the ICP network, their request is routed to the nearest node. This node then processes the request and returns the result to the user. 

As it is a decentralized network, there is no single point of failure. This makes it much more resilient to cyber-attacks and other forms of disruption. 

ICP has been designed to be highly scalable, with the ability to handle millions of transactions per second. This makes it a promising platform for developers creating highly complex and resource-intensive applications. It could also significantly reduce the cost of running and maintaining large-scale applications, as there is no need for expensive server infrastructure. 

Overall, ICP represents a major leap forward in the evolution of the internet. By leveraging blockchain technology, it has the potential to create a more secure, open, and efficient internet that is accessible to everyone. 

While it is still a relatively new technology, ICP has already attracted a significant amount of attention from developers, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike and is set to have a significant role in shaping the future of the internet. 

## What is ICP coin? 

The native token of the Internet Computer Protocol is the ICP token or ICP coin. ICP coin is the digital currency that powers the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem and is designed to be used as a utility token to pay for computation and storage on the network. 

ICP coin can be used to interact with smart contracts, deploy canisters (software containers), participate in network governance, and earn staking rewards. The token's fixed maximum supply is 469 million, with a circulating supply of around 124 million ICP coins [as of April 2023](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/internet-computer). 

One of the unique features of ICP is its governance model. ICP coin holders have the power to vote on proposals affecting the direction of the network, including upgrades, changes to the governance system, and other significant decisions. 

This gives token holders a say in the future of the network and allows for a more democratic decision-making process. 

ICP is also used as a means of payment within the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem. Developers and users can pay for computation and storage using ICP coins, which can be earned by staking or purchased on various cryptocurrency exchanges. 

In addition to being used as a utility token, ICP can be used for speculation and investment purposes. Like other cryptocurrencies, the price of ICP can fluctuate based on market demand and other factors, and investors can buy and sell ICP on various exchanges. 

It is safe to say that the ICP coin plays a vital role in the Internet Computer Protocol ecosystem and is essential for the proper functioning of the network. Its governance model and utility as a means of payment make it a unique cryptocurrency in the ever-evolving blockchain space. 

## Who created ICP? 

The Internet Computer Protocol was initiated by Dominic Williams in 2016 and developed by the DFINITY Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and development of this technology. 

In May 2021, after years of research, the Internet Computer Protocol was officially launched. The DFINITY Foundation has a team of researchers worldwide, including cryptographers with around 100,000 academic citations and 200 patents. 

## Why is ICP so popular? 

The Internet Computer Protocol's popularity is due to several factors. 

First, the founder has made ambitious claims about its potential to challenge internet giants by offering speed, scalability, and cost savings. Second, it has the backing of high-profile investors like Andreesen Horowitz and Polychain Capital. Third, market analysts have issued bullish price targets, contributing to investor enthusiasm. 

Of course, the broader bullish climate for cryptocurrencies also played a role in the Internet Computer Protocol's early price rise. In 2021, cryptocurrency projects captured the public's imagination and raised significant amounts of money. 

## How does ICP work? 

The current internet is highly centralized, with most popular web applications being hosted on a few data centres owned by big tech companies, making them vulnerable to failures and censorship. 

The Internet Computer Protocol aims to provide an alternative by allowing developers to create, host, and serve applications in a decentralized manner, directly on the public internet. This decentralized approach would also incentivize open-source and transparent software development. 

According to a profile in MIT Technology Review, the Internet Computer Protocol's software would not be tied to a dedicated server in a single location. Instead, it would be distributed across independent data centres around the world. This would make the network more resilient to failures and harder to censor or deplatform applications. 

ICP coin serves as a way to convert cryptocurrency into processing power. Developers pay a fee based on the amount of computing power required for their project. As long as the fee is paid, their website will run on the public internet. 

The Internet Computer Protocol can support any application, including social networks, software applications, and new types not yet created. As a demonstration of its capabilities, the developers of ICP have published open-source code for CanCan, a decentralized alternative to TikTok. 

The Internet Computer Protocol offers a decentralized alternative to the current internet infrastructure, providing greater resilience to failures and censorship while incentivizing open-source and transparent software development. 

## How is ICP coin different from other cryptocurrencies? 

The ICP coin has unique features that set it apart from other cryptocurrencies. 

First and foremost, it enables anyone to create software on the internet and develop applications that circumvent big tech companies using blockchain technology. In addition, it operates on a decentralized network powered by dedicated hardware set up by independent parties. 

Lastly, the cryptocurrency is known for its fast transaction processing speed, significantly quicker than other cryptocurrencies, which may take more than 30 minutes to complete transactions. 

It is important to note that ICP coin is not just a currency, but part of a protocol enabling the creation of decentralized applications. 

## Investing in ICP coin 

ICP is a reliable option for investors due to its strong technology foundation. It's a decentralized cryptocurrency that operates as an ecosystem that can compete with Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

The Internet Computer Protocol links the blockchain and the traditional web. Its Chain Key Technology allows for resource pooling from multiple computers to create a powerful and efficient distributed computing system. It functions as a blockchain that can handle the processing needs of current online services. 

In terms of investment, ICP is a solid choice because it's a fully operational network that offers various services, including DApps and different cryptocurrencies, at launch. Unlike Ethereum, which took years to develop and support multiple use cases, the ICP ecosystem is already equipped with several applications. 

## How can you get ICP coin? 

While the popularity of Internet Computer Protocol coin is soaring, it may not be available for trading on all exchanges. However, two of the biggest exchanges, [Coinbase](/news/article/coinbase-review-uk) and [Binance](/news/article/guide-to-binance-uk), allow users to buy, sell, transfer, convert, and store cryptocurrency. Additionally, the ICP coin can be traded on smaller exchanges like Gate.io and a few others. 

## The future of ICP coin 

The DFINITY team currently consists of approximately 200 members. It plans, over the next five years, to double that number and increase its community. 

According to a recent Medium article outlining the roadmap for ICP, the goal is to become a viable alternative to today's internet within the next decade. In the next 20 years, the Internet Computer Protocol plans to acquire the companies controlling the current internet, including Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft. 

Despite its ambitious plans, the Internet Computer Protocol has faced criticism due to centralized control by the team behind it. This level of control raises concerns about the autonomy and privacy of internet users. Furthermore, the project's plan to link everything to an internet identity could further threaten online autonomy. 

Regardless of the criticism, the ICP token remains a promising investment in the long run. 

Currently, it may not be widely available on all exchanges, but large platforms like Coinbase and Binance offer it. The Internet Computer Protocol's ability to allow anyone to create software on the internet, run on a decentralized network, and operate at web speed distinguishes it from other cryptocurrencies. 

Overall, the Internet Computer Protocol's future as an alternative to the current internet remains uncertain, but its potential as a cryptocurrency investment is promising. 

With its innovative technology, [decentralized network](/news/article/dns-servers), and fast transaction processing, ICP stands out from other players in the field. While the project has faced some criticism for its centralized nature, the long-term prospects for ICP appear bright, with plans to become a solid alternative to the current internet and potentially disrupt the largest tech companies. 

green image of ICP coin logo on picture of metaverse

ICP coin and all you need to know about it

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ICP coin and all you need to know about it