Litecoin (LTC) is a cryptocurrency that was created in 2011 as a lighter, faster alternative to Bitcoin. It operates on a decentralized blockchain network and is designed to be used for peer-to-peer transactions. LTC transactions are processed faster than Bitcoin transactions, and the network is designed to handle a higher volume of transactions. The purpose of Litecoin is to provide a decentralized digital currency that can be used for fast and secure payments, and it has often been referred to as the "silver to Bitcoin's gold."