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Module 4 of 30Beginner8 min read

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana

The three cryptos that actually matter, and why.

In 30 seconds

Bitcoin stores value (digital gold, 21M cap). Ethereum runs apps (DeFi, NFTs). Solana is fast (sub-cent fees). Know these three roles → dodge 80% of beginner mistakes.

Key takeaways
  • 1Bitcoin = digital gold, long-term store of value.
  • 2Ethereum = programmable platform, the basis of DeFi and NFTs.
  • 3Solana = fast and cheap, growing popularity.
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Introduction

Three cryptos have dominated for years. They don't do the same thing — understanding their roles is 80% of the path.

01

Bitcoin: digital gold?

First blockchain (2009, created by anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto). Supply capped at 21 million, ever. Its scarcity is mathematically guaranteed — like gold, but on the Internet.

  • 21 million max (programmed scarcity).
  • Long-term store of value (« digital gold »).
  • Slow and not very programmable, but ultra-resilient.
The Bitcoin halving: issuance slowing down to 21 million BTC by around 2140.
Key insight

Halving = the key to scarcity

Every 4 years, the miner reward is cut in half. 50 BTC in 2009 → 3.125 BTC in 2024 → ~21M by around 2140. That's what makes Bitcoin programmatically scarce.

02

Ethereum: what's it for?

A platform that executes programs (smart contracts) on the blockchain. The foundation of DeFi, NFTs and most crypto apps.

  • Smart contracts = code that runs without intermediaries.
  • Foundation of DeFi, NFTs, Web3.
  • Slower than a credit card, infinitely more flexible than BTC.
Analogy

Bitcoin vs Ethereum

If Bitcoin is gold, Ethereum is the iPhone: a platform you build on. You can store value on both, but Ethereum primarily runs applications.

03

Solana: why all the buzz?

Younger, much faster: thousands of transactions/second vs ~15 for Ethereum. Fees: a few cents. Trade-off: more technically complex, with some past network outages.

  • Thousands of transactions/sec (vs ~15 on Ethereum).
  • Fees: less than 1 cent per transaction.
  • Popular for NFTs and consumer payments.
04

Which ones on Deblock?

BTC, ETH, SOL and several others, directly in the app. Together, BTC + ETH = 60%+ of total market cap: a solid starting point.

  • Buy, sell, store: all in the Deblock app.
  • Can also receive from external wallets.
  • Start with BTC and/or ETH, the classic combo.
Three different philosophies for three different use cases.
Common belief

Bitcoin will replace the euro someday.

Actually : Bitcoin isn't designed to buy your baguette — it's a store of value. The euro and Bitcoin can coexist perfectly well.

Try it on Deblock

Choose your first crypto on Deblock

Start with €20. Buy/sell/transfer from the app. You can always sell back.

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Key takeaways

What you should remember

  • 01Bitcoin = digital gold, long-term store of value.
  • 02Ethereum = programmable platform, the basis of DeFi and NFTs.
  • 03Solana = fast and cheap, growing popularity.
  • 04On Deblock, you can buy BTC, ETH, SOL and others in a few taps.
Try it on Deblock

Ready to practice?

Open your Deblock account in minutes and apply what you have just learned.

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Going further

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05Stablecoins: USDC, USDT, EURCV12 min read09Wallets, private keys & security15 min read07Buying & selling with Deblock10 min read
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Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana: differences and use cases (2026 guide)