What are altcoins and how do they differ from Bitcoin?

Altcoins are alternative cryptocurrencies that were created after Bitcoin. While Bitcoin is the most popular and well-known cryptocurrency, altcoins often provide different features and functions compared to Bitcoin. Some differences can include faster transaction speeds, anonymity, and better privacy features, as well as more technologically advanced blockchain protocols. Altcoins are also often used to experiment with new ideas that may not be available with Bitcoin. They can also provide different levels of scarcity and availability, which can help increase their value over time.