What are the mainstream public blockchains? If you're new to blockchain and want to understand the ecosystem of 'public chains,' it can definitely feel overwhelming—different chains have different focuses, user bases, technical features, and cost structures. Let’s break down the five major public blockchains and their unique characteristics. Bitcoin Positioning: Peer-to-peer electronic cash payment system; Bitcoin is the first decentralized digital currency Technical features: PoW consensus mechanism, 7 TPS, high security Use cases: Value storage and transfers Newbie tips: Slow transfers (about 10 minutes per transaction) and volatile transaction fees, not suitable for high-frequency trading. Ethereum Positioning: Core of the smart contract ecosystem, birthplace of DeFi/NFT Technical features: PoS consensus mechanism, EVM virtual machine Advantages: Mature ecosystem (e.g., Uniswap, MakerDAO), high decentralization, and strong security Disadvantages: High gas fees, poor user experience during congestion Best for: Developing complex DApps and participating in mainstream DeFi protocols. Solana Positioning: High-performance chain, ideal for Meme Coins and high-frequency trading Technical features: PoH consensus combined with PoS validation, 60,000 TPS, low transaction fees Advantages: Instant transaction confirmations, suitable for small and frequent operations Risks: Network stability has been questioned in the past Typical use cases: Pump Fun (one-click token creation platform), StepN (blockchain gaming). Binance Smart Chain (BSC) Positioning: Launched by Binance, compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), balances cost and efficiency Technical features: Low transaction fees, 2,000+ TPS Advantages: Low development barriers, large user base within the ecosystem Best for: Quickly launching small-to-medium projects and low-cost migration of Ethereum applications. TRON Positioning: Extremely low transaction fees, high throughput, suitable for high-frequency application scenarios Key stats: Stablecoin payment hub, over $80 billion USDT on-chain, accounting for 51.6% globally Advantages: Large user base in Asia (especially the Chinese community), instant transfers, ideal for cross-border payments.