# Basics of ADA

**URL:** <https://forum.cardano.org/t/basics-of-ada/86247>\
**Category:** Education\
**Created:** [24 November 2021 14:03 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/basics-of-ada/86247 "2021-11-24T14:03:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gsmgorski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/47e85d/32.png) [@gsmgorski](https://forum.cardano.org/u/gsmgorski)\
**Post date:** [24 November 2021 14:03 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/basics-of-ada/86247/1 "2021-11-24T14:03:53Z")

</div>

Dear Cardano Community. I’m looking for some basic information. I see lots of information about the Cardano network, such as “Cardano is a groundbreaking proof-of-stake blockchain network, being developed into a decentralized application (DApp) development platform with a multi-asset ledger and verifiable smart contracts.” But I’m not sure what part the native ADA coin plays in this network. For example: Is ADA just purchased by developers in order to pay fees for their projects?; Is ADA like a school bus holding the packets of data loaded into the blockchain?; What is the actual function of ADA in the Cardano blockchain? I’m sure these are simple questions for those that know how this network works, but I can’t find details on these basics. Thanks, Greg

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Zyroxa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex023/user_avatar/forum.cardano.org/zyroxa/32/17790_2.png) [@Zyroxa](https://forum.cardano.org/u/Zyroxa)\
**Post date:** [24 November 2021 15:04 UTC](https://forum.cardano.org/t/basics-of-ada/86247/2 "2021-11-24T15:04:27Z")

</div>

Hi @gsmgorski

There are different use cases for ADA as a token.

1. You are able to pay the network fees with ADA
2. ADA is needed to secure the network via staking (proof of stake)
3. Every 1 ADA gives you 1 voting power which is needed for project Catalyst and future governance.

Those are probably the most important use cases.

Cheers  
Fabian