A whitepaper is a detailed and comprehensive document that outlines the technical and economic aspects of a project, product, or technology. It serves as a guide for stakeholders, including investors, developers, and potential users, to understand the goals and objectives of the project, as well as the methodology and processes for achieving them.

In the context of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, a whitepaper often covers the architecture of the system, its underlying technology, the consensus mechanism, and the token economics. It also provides information on the team behind the project, the problem it aims to solve, and the value proposition it offers. The whitepaper is a crucial tool for building credibility and trust in the project, and it is often used to market and promote the project to potential investors.

Bitcoin Whitepaper: Published by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008, the Bitcoin whitepaper describes the design and implementation of the first decentralized cryptocurrency.

Ethereum Whitepaper: Published by Vitalik Buterin in 2013, the Ethereum whitepaper outlines a blockchain platform for building decentralized applications with smart contracts.

Ripple Whitepaper: Published by Ryan Fugger in 2004, the Ripple whitepaper describes a decentralized digital currency and payment system designed to enable secure, instant, and nearly free cross-border transactions of any size with no chargebacks.

A simplified example that compares to a whitepaper could be a detailed business plan that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a company. Just like a whitepaper in the context of cryptocurrency, a business plan serves as a comprehensive guide for stakeholders, providing important information and insights into the direction and vision of the company.