> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.digitalnations.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.digitalnations.xyz/web3-overview/the-web3-ecosystem/cryptocurrencies/key-players.md).

# Key Players

Although there are many different types of cryptocurrencies, the market is dominated by three:  Bitcoin, Ether and stablecoins.

<figure><img src="/files/2FvvlfV9QlIK20IVmFmD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Source: Coinmarketcap as of 3.30.22. Respective market caps divided by total market cap.</p></figcaption></figure>

* **Bitcoin**:  Bitcoin is the world’s first and largest pure cryptocurrency
* **Ether**:  Ether is the native token of the smart contract platform Ethereum.  It can be thought of as a form of “programmable money” (e.g. it can be coded to perform functions such as automatically repay loans, hold funds in escrow, automatically execute contracts, etc…)
* **Stablecoins**:  Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to the value of fiat currencies such as the Dollar, Euro, Renminbi or Yen

We’ll dive into each of these in the next sections...