Bitcoin (BTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) are two separate cryptocurrencies that originated from a common blockchain, Bitcoin (BTC). They have different features and goals, which led to their divergence. Here are the main differences between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash:
Block Size Limit:
Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin has a small block size limit of 1 MB, which was implemented to maintain decentralization and security but limits the number of transactions processed per block.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Bitcoin Cash was created with a larger block size of 8 MB (and later increased even further) to allow more transactions to be processed in each block, aiming to improve scalability and speed.
Transaction Fees and Speed:
Bitcoin (BTC): The limited block size in Bitcoin can lead to congestion during times of high demand, resulting in higher transaction fees and slower confirmation times.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH): With its larger block size, Bitcoin Cash aims to offer lower transaction fees and faster confirmation times, making it more suitable for everyday transactions.
Development and Community:
Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin has a larger and more established development community, as well as a longer history. It is often considered the original and most recognized cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Bitcoin Cash emerged as a result of a hard fork from the original Bitcoin blockchain in 2017. Its community places more emphasis on using cryptocurrency as a medium of exchange rather than just a store of value.
Philosophy and Use Cases:
Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin is often seen as "digital gold" and a store of value, emphasizing security, decentralization, and resistance to censorship. It aims to be a hedge against traditional financial systems.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH): Bitcoin Cash focuses on being a peer-to-peer electronic cash system, aiming to facilitate everyday transactions with low fees and fast confirmations. It aims to be a more practical means of payment.
Market Capitalization and Adoption:
Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin has the highest market capitalization and is the most widely recognized and adopted cryptocurrency. It is often considered the standard in the cryptocurrency space.
Bitcoin Cash (BCH): While Bitcoin Cash has a lower market capitalization compared to Bitcoin, it still has its own user base and is accepted by some merchants and services.