This number sets the total limit of the coins that can ever be generated.
For example, in Bitcoin the limit is 21 million, whereas in Dogecoin it’s unlimited.
A Complete Guide to Understanding This Blockchain Concept
This limit is fixed by the block reward and halving schedule discussed earlier.
There are two options to create your own virtual currency: forking existing established cryptocurrency source code or writing a new one from scratch.
The latter option is less popular but the first option is easier and has allowed the creation of many virtual currencies over the last few years.
Fundamentally, the idea is that first a cryptocurrency source code is forked and then appropriate changes are made at different strategic locations in the source code to effectively create a new currency.
NEM coin is one of the newly created coins that have their code written entirely from scratch.
In the next section, readers are introduced to some altcoin projects.
Why This Matters for Blockchain Technology
It is not possible to cover all alternative currencies , but a few selected coins are discussed in .
Each coin is discussed from different angles such as theoretical foundations, trading, and mining.
Key Points to Remember
- Total supply of coins This number sets the total limit of the coins that can ever be generated.
- For example, in Bitcoin the limit is 21 million, whereas in Dogecoin it’s unlimited.
- This limit is fixed by the block reward and halving schedule discussed earlier.
- There are two options to create your own virtual currency: forking existing established cryptocurrency source code or writing a new one from scratch.
Conclusion
Total supply of coins represents one of the many innovative layers that make blockchain technology so powerful and transformative. As distributed systems continue to evolve, a solid understanding of these core concepts becomes increasingly valuable — not just for developers, but for anyone building, investing in, or working alongside blockchain-powered systems.
Whether you are just starting your blockchain journey or deepening existing expertise, mastering these fundamentals gives you the tools to think clearly about decentralized systems and make smarter decisions in this rapidly evolving space.