Tron: Everything to Know

By  Beluga Research July 10, 2023

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Summary

  • Tron is a blockchain that supports smart contracts, which allow developers to create decentralized apps (Dapps) with complex functionalities
  • It is known to be faster than many other blockchain platforms
  • Tron uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which means that users can stake TRX, its native cryptocurrency
  • Current concerns with Tron include debatable decentralization and security issues

Overview

Tron is a blockchain-based platform that allows developers to build decentralized applications (Dapps). The platform aims to create a decentralized internet where users can freely access and share content without the need for intermediaries. Tron uses a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which means that users can stake their TRX tokens to participate in block production and earn rewards.

Tron offers high transaction speeds and low fees, making it an attractive platform for developers and users alike. The platform also supports smart contracts, which allow developers to create complex decentralized applications that can execute automatically based on predefined conditions.

One of the unique features of Tron is its ability to handle large-scale transactions. The platform claims to be able to handle up to 2,000 transactions per second, which is significantly higher than other blockchain platforms such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

A Brief History

Tron was founded by Justin Sun in 2017. Sun is a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency industry and was previously the chief representative of cryptocurrency network Ripple in China. Tron's initial coin offering (ICO) was held in September 2017 and raised over $70 million.

Since its launch, Tron has undergone several upgrades and developments. In 2018, Tron acquired BitTorrent, a popular peer-to-peer file-sharing platform. The acquisition allowed Tron to expand its user base and offer more decentralized services.

Tron has also made significant partnerships with various companies, including Samsung, which added Tron support to its Blockchain Keystore in 2019. Tron has also partnered with companies such as Opera, Poloniex and Binance to expand its reach and offer more services to its users.

What Is Tron?

Tron is a decentralized platform that aims to create a global digital content entertainment system using blockchain technology. Tron's main goal is to decentralize the internet and provide users with a platform where they can freely access and share content without the need for intermediaries.

Tron uses a PoS consensus mechanism, which means that users can stake their TRX tokens to participate in block production and earn rewards. Also supported is smart contracts, which allow developers to create complex decentralized applications that execute automatically based on predefined criteria

Tron is unique in its ability to handle large-scale transactions. According to the platform, it can handle up to 2,000 transactions per second, significantly higher than other blockchain platforms like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Tron's ecosystem comprises several components, including the Tron Virtual Machine (TVM), which enables software developers to create and execute smart contracts on the Tron network. Tron also has its own cryptocurrency, TRX, which is used to pay for transactions and services on the platform.

Tron has several use cases, including gaming, content sharing, and social media. The platform has several Dapps that allow users to play games, share content and interact with each other in a decentralized manner. Tron also has its own decentralized exchange, JustSwap, which allows users to trade cryptocurrencies without the need for intermediaries.

Getting Started

To get started with Tron, a Tron wallet is necessary. There are several wallets available that support Tron, including TronLink, Ledger Nano S and Atomic Wallet. Once a wallet is acquired, Tron tokens can be purchased from an exchange and stored in the wallet. Tron tokens are used to pay for transactions on the Tron network.

Tron tokens can be used to interact with Dapps on the Tron network. The Tron network supports a wide range of Dapps, including decentralized exchanges (DEX), gaming platforms, and social media platforms. To access these Dapps, a compatible browser extension such as TronLink is required.

Unique Aspects

  • One of the unique aspects of Tron is its focus on entertainment. The Tron network is designed to provide a platform for content creators to monetize without intermediaries. This means that content creators can earn more money by cutting out middlemen, such as YouTube or Patreon.
  • Tron also has a unique consensus mechanism called "Delegated Proof-of-Stake" (DPoS). DPoS is a mechanism that allows token holders to vote for block producers who validate transactions on the network. This means that token holders have a say in the governance of the network and can vote for block producers that they believe will act in the best interest of the network.
  • Another unique aspect of Tron is its scalability. The Tron network is capable of processing up to 2,000 transactions per second, which is much faster than other blockchain networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This makes Tron an attractive platform for developers who need to build high-performance Dapps.

Advantages

  • High Scalability . Tron is capable of processing up to 2,000 transactions per second, making it one of the fastest blockchain platforms available.
  • Low Transaction Fees . Tron's transaction fees are significantly lower than those of other major blockchain platforms like Ethereum or Bitcoin.
  • Energy Efficiency . Tron uses a consensus mechanism called DPoS, which is much more energy-efficient than proof-of-work (PoW), used by Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • Large Community . Tron has a large and active community of developers, investors, and users, which helps to drive innovation and adoption.
  • High Throughput - Tron's high throughput enables it to handle large volumes of transactions, making it suitable for applications that require high-speed processing.
  • Easy to Use. A user-friendly interface and development tools make it easy for developers to create and deploy Dapps on the Tron platform.
  • Compatibility with Ethereum - Tron is fully compatible with Ethereum, which means that developers can easily port their Ethereum Dapps to Tron.

Disadvantages

  • Centralization . Tron's DPoS consensus mechanism is criticized by some for being too centralized, as only a limited number of nodes are involved in the block validation process.
  • Debatable Decentralization . While Tron aims to create a decentralized internet, some argue that it is not truly decentralized because of the centralized nature of its governance and block validation process.
  • Lack of Transparency . Tron's governance structure and decision-making process are not as transparent as some would like, which can lead to concerns about the platform's direction and future.
  • Reliance on Founder . Tron's founder, Justin Sun, is seen by some as having too much control over the platform, which can lead to concerns about centralization and censorship.
  • Security Concerns . Tron has faced several security issues in the past, including a vulnerability that allowed attackers to steal funds from smart contracts.
  • Limited Adoption . While Tron has a large and active community, it still lags behind other major blockchain platforms in terms of adoption and usage.