Litecoin is a decentralized, open-source cryptocurrency that was created in 2011 by Charlie Lee, a former Google employee. It is often referred to as the "silver" to Bitcoin's "gold" and is designed to be a faster and more lightweight version of Bitcoin.

Like Bitcoin, Litecoin is based on a decentralized ledger of all transactions known as a blockchain. However, Litecoin uses a different cryptographic algorithm to verify transactions, called Scrypt. This allows Litecoin to be mined using consumer-grade hardware, rather than the specialized equipment required to mine Bitcoin.

One of the key features of Litecoin is its faster transaction speed. While Bitcoin can process a block of transactions every 10 minutes, Litecoin is able to do so in just 2.5 minutes. This means that Litecoin can confirm transactions faster than Bitcoin, making it potentially more useful for everyday transactions.

Litecoin also has a larger maximum supply than Bitcoin, with a total of 84 million Litecoins that can be mined. This is four times the number of Bitcoin that will ever be in circulation.

While Litecoin is often overshadowed by Bitcoin, it has a dedicated community of users and is widely accepted by merchants as a form of payment. It is also seen as a valuable investment, with its value fluctuating based on market demand.

Overall, Litecoin is a decentralized cryptocurrency that offers faster transaction speeds and a larger maximum supply than Bitcoin. It has a strong track record and is accepted by merchants around the world, making it a viable alternative to Bitcoin for both everyday transactions and long-term investment.