DAI is a stablecoin, meaning it is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value relative to a target asset or basket of assets. In the case of DAI, the target is the U.S. dollar.
DAI is created and maintained by MakerDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) built on the Ethereum blockchain. MakerDAO allows users to collateralize ETH (Ethereum) to generate DAI, which can then be used for various purposes, including making payments, trading, and saving. The value of DAI is stabilized by a system of smart contracts that adjust supply and demand to keep the price close to the value of the U.S. dollar.
One of the key advantages of DAI is its decentralized nature, meaning it is not controlled by any central authority or institution. This makes it an attractive option for users who are looking for a more stable and secure store of value, compared to more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Additionally, because DAI is built on the Ethereum blockchain, it can be easily integrated into decentralized applications (dapps), allowing for more efficient and transparent transactions.
To generate DAI, users must first deposit ETH into a MakerDAO smart contract. This ETH is then used as collateral for the issuance of DAI. The amount of DAI generated depends on the current value of ETH, as well as other factors such as the global stability fee, which is set by MakerDAO. Users can also use other supported collateral types to generate DAI, including WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) and USDC (USD Coin).
One of the key features of MakerDAO is its ability to automatically adjust the supply of DAI to maintain its stability relative to the U.S. dollar.