How many cryptocurrencies exist and how do they differ?

As of today, there are over 20,000 cryptocurrencies in the world, and their number continues to grow. These digital assets can vary significantly from each other in various parameters, including technologies, goals, and mechanisms of operation. For example, Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, focused on ensuring security and decentralization, while Ethereum offers opportunities for creating smart contracts and decentralized applications. Each cryptocurrency may have its unique features: from consensus algorithms to applications in different areas, such as finance, artificial intelligence, and even art. With the growing interest in digital currencies, it is important to understand how they differ in order to make informed investment decisions.