What is an ASIC? Exploring specialized hardware for cryptocurrency mining

The 0x Protocol is a decentralized exchange infrastructure for peer-to-peer token trading on Ethereum. By combining off-chain order relays with on-chain settlements, it reduces gas costs, enhances security, and powers DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, and DEX platforms. See more

An API (Application Programming Interface) enables communication between software applications. Acting as a digital middleman, it powers everything from app integrations to real-time services. See more

A specialized hardware for efficient cryptocurrency mining, like Bitcoin. Faster and more energy-efficient than GPUs or CPUs, ASICs dominate the mining landscape but are purpose-built for specific algorithms. See more

Altcoins are cryptocurrencies that offer innovative features like smart contracts, privacy, and stable value. They expand the possibilities of blockchain technology and provide diverse investment opportunities. See more

Apeing in crypto refers to impulsively investing in new projects or tokens without thorough research, often driven by hype or FOMO. See more

Binance Coin is the native cryptocurrency of Binance’s ecosystem, used for trading discounts, gas fees on Binance Smart Chain, and DeFi applications. See more

BRC-20 is a token standard used on the Bitcoin blockchain, inspired by Ethereum’s ERC-20 standard. It enables the creation, transfer, and management of fungible tokens directly on Bitcoin. See more

A top cryptocurrency exchange that lets users buy, sell, and trade hundreds of digital assets. Known for low fees, advanced tools, and features like staking, NFTs, and DeFi access via Binance Smart Chain, it’s a hub for crypto beginners and professionals alike. See more

A decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority, using blockchain technology to enable secure, transparent transactions. See more

A block in a blockchain is a digital container that records and stores data, such as transaction details, smart contract executions, or other information, in a secure and immutable way. Blocks are linked together in chronological order, forming the blockchain. See more

A decentralized ledger technology that securely records transactions in an immutable chain of blocks. See more

A bonding curve is a mathematical function used to dynamically price tokens based on their supply. Commonly found in DeFi, AMMs, and NFT platforms, bonding curves enable automated, transparent pricing mechanisms without traditional order books. See more

A software that automates tasks, widely used in crypto for trading, community management, and more. Some bots are helpful, others malicious, so knowing their uses and risks is key. See more

Bridging crypto allows users to transfer assets between different blockchains, enhancing interoperability and access to diverse ecosystems. By using blockchain bridges, traders and developers can reduce fees, increase liquidity, and participate in multi-chain DeFi and NFT applications. See more

Bull and bear markets define the trends of rising or falling prices in financial markets, including crypto. While bull markets are driven by optimism and rising prices, bear markets reflect pessimism and declining value. See more

A lightweight, plain-text format for storing tabular data. Widely used in spreadsheets, databases, and programming, it offers simplicity and compatibility for data transfer and analysis. See more

A scalable, eco-friendly blockchain platform for smart contracts and dApps. Known for its research-driven development and energy-efficient Proof of Stake system. See more

A decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts to real-world data, enabling secure, off-chain interactions. It powers DeFi, insurance, gaming, and more, with its native token LINK incentivizing network reliability and accuracy. See more

Circle is a financial technology company known for USD Coin (USDC), a widely used fiat-backed stablecoin. With its focus on blockchain payments, regulatory compliance, and DeFi integration, Circle plays a pivotal role in enabling global crypto transactions and innovation. See more

A leading cryptocurrency platform for buying, selling, and storing digital assets. See more

A cold wallet is an offline cryptocurrency storage solution designed for maximum security. Ideal for long-term storage, it protects private keys from online threats and is available in hardware, paper, or offline software forms. See more

Collateralization in crypto involves pledging digital assets as security for loans or stablecoin issuance. Common in DeFi, this process allows users to access liquidity, leverage assets, and mint synthetic tokens while retaining their crypto holdings. See more

A contract address is a unique blockchain identifier for a deployed smart contract. Used in cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and NFTs, it allows users to interact with decentralized applications and token contracts securely and transparently. See more

Cross-chain technology enables interoperability between blockchains, allowing assets and data to move seamlessly across networks. See more

A crypto address is a unique identifier used for sending and receiving cryptocurrency on blockchain networks. Linked to a wallet’s public key, it ensures secure transactions and serves as the gateway to the decentralized world of crypto. See more

A crypto airdrop is a promotional strategy where free tokens are distributed to users to boost awareness, build community, or incentivize loyalty. See more

A crypto asset is a digital asset built on blockchain technology, encompassing cryptocurrencies, tokens, stablecoins, NFTs, and more. See more

Crypto custody refers to the secure storage of digital assets by individuals or third-party providers. See more

Crypto derivatives are financial contracts that derive their value from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Instruments such as futures, options, and perpetual swaps allow traders to speculate, hedge, and leverage positions without owning the underlying asset. See more

A crypto exchange is a platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies. These marketplaces connect users to trade assets securely and efficiently within the crypto ecosystem. See more

A crypto scam is a fraudulent scheme that exploits cryptocurrencies to steal funds or personal information. From phishing and investment scams to rug pulls and fake giveaways, learning to recognize red flags and secure your assets is essential in the crypto world. See more

A crypto wallet is a digital tool that stores private keys, enabling secure management of cryptocurrencies. They are essential for sending, receiving, and storing digital assets securely. See more

CryptoPunks are 10,000 unique pixel art characters and one of the first NFT projects on Ethereum. Known for their cultural significance and scarcity, CryptoPunks remain iconic in the NFT space, with rare Punks fetching millions of dollars. See more

A decentralized digital money secured by cryptography and powered by blockchain technology. It enables fast, secure, and transparent peer-to-peer transactions. See more

A custodial wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet managed by a third-party provider, where private keys are securely stored on behalf of users. Offering ease of use and recovery options, they are popular among beginners but require trust in the custodian for security. See more

A custodian bank securely holds and manages financial assets for clients, providing safekeeping, settlement, compliance, and reporting services. Essential for both traditional and digital markets, they ensure asset security and regulatory adherence. See more

A Decentralized Autonomous Organization is a blockchain-based group governed collectively by members through smart contracts and votes. It enables democratic decision-making and automates processes in DeFi, NFTs, etc. See more

Decentralized systems distribute control and decision-making across multiple participants rather than relying on a central authority. Used in blockchain, DeFi, and DAOs, decentralization enhances transparency, security, and user empowerment. See more

A cryptographic technique ensuring the authenticity, integrity, and origin of digital data. Widely used in blockchain, secure communications, and document signing, it enhances security and efficiency in digital transactions. See more

A versatile communication platform for text, voice, and video chat. Originally for gamers, it now hosts communities ranging from crypto to professional teams. See more

ERC-1155 is a versatile Ethereum token standard that supports fungible, non-fungible, and semi-fungible tokens within a single smart contract. Known for its efficiency and flexibility, ERC-1155 powers gaming, DeFi, and NFT applications by enabling batch transactions and scalable token management. See more

ERC-20 is a technical standard for creating fungible tokens on Ethereum. It ensures compatibility with wallets and dApps, powering use cases like DeFi, stablecoins, and governance tokens. Its standardization has made it essential for the Ethereum ecosystem. See more

ERC-721 is a token standard for creating unique, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on Ethereum. Known for its use in digital art, collectibles, and gaming assets, ERC-721 provides a transparent, decentralized way to manage ownership and provenance of unique items. See more

The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the decentralized computing engine that powers Ethereum’s smart contracts and decentralized applications. See more

Etherscan is a blockchain explorer for Ethereum, enabling users to track transactions, wallet balances, tokens, and smart contracts. It’s a vital tool for transparency, verification, and blockchain insights into the Ethereum ecosystem. See more

A fork in blockchain occurs when the protocol undergoes changes, leading to a split in the network. Forks can be soft (backward-compatible) or hard (creating a new chain), often resulting from upgrades, bug fixes, or community disagreements. See more

GameFi blends gaming and decentralized finance, offering players rewards in cryptocurrency or NFTs. By integrating play-to-earn models, blockchain ownership, and token economies, GameFi can turn gaming into a lucrative and innovative experience. See more

Gas fees are payments for executing transactions or smart contracts on a blockchain, compensating validators for their work. Varying by blockchain and transaction complexity, they incentivize security while deterring spam but can rise significantly during network congestion. See more

HODL, meaning "hold on for dear life," is a strategy where investors keep their cryptocurrency regardless of market volatility. Popular for its simplicity and long-term focus, it reflects confidence in cryptocurrency’s future growth. See more

Hash rate measures the computational power used for mining cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Expressed in hashes per second, it’s a key indicator of network security, mining efficiency, and blockchain health. See more

A hot wallet is an internet-connected cryptocurrency wallet used for quick and frequent transactions. While convenient and beginner-friendly, it comes with security risks, making it ideal for small holdings and daily use. See more

KYC (Know Your Customer) in crypto is a process to verify user identities, ensuring compliance with regulations and preventing fraud. It involves collecting personal data, such as IDs and proof of address, and is essential for safe and trusted cryptocurrency trading. See more

Layer 2 (L2) refers to a secondary framework or protocol built on top of an existing blockchain (Layer 1) to enhance its scalability, efficiency, and functionality. See more

A ledger in blockchain is a decentralized, immutable record-keeping system that tracks all transactions in a transparent and secure manner. It serves as the backbone of blockchain networks, ensuring trustless and tamper-proof data management across various applications. See more

A liquidity pool is a smart contract-based collection of funds used to facilitate trading, lending, and more in DeFi. It ensures continuous liquidity, allows users to earn rewards, and underpins decentralized exchanges and financial protocols. See more

A fast, low-cost cryptocurrency designed for everyday transactions. Created in 2011, it offers quicker block times and lower fees than Bitcoin, making it a popular choice for payments and cross-border transfers. See more

A cryptocurrency inspired by internet memes and viral trends, relying on community-driven hype. Popular examples include Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. See more

A secure crypto wallet and Web3 gateway, enabling users to manage Ethereum-based tokens and interact with decentralized applications (dApps). See more

Minting is the process of creating new tokens or digital assets on a blockchain. Commonly used for cryptocurrencies and NFTs, it ensures ownership verification, scarcity, and decentralization, powering use cases from DeFi to digital art. See more

Non-Fungible Tokens are unique digital assets secured by blockchain technology, representing ownership or authenticity of items like art, music, and virtual real estate. See more

A network connects devices to share data, resources, and services using physical or virtual links. From local setups like LANs to global systems like the internet, networks are essential for communication, commerce, and technology. See more

A node in cryptocurrency is a computer or device that participates in a blockchain network by storing, validating, and relaying transactions. See more

Non-custodial solutions in cryptocurrency give users full control of their private keys and funds, eliminating reliance on third parties. These wallets and services prioritize decentralization, security, and financial sovereignty but require users to manage their own security and recovery processes. See more

Open-source refers to software or technology where the source code is freely accessible, modifiable, and shareable. See more

OpenSea is a leading NFT marketplace supporting Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. It enables users to mint, buy, and sell NFTs, including art, collectibles, and gaming items, making it a hub for digital asset enthusiasts. See more

Oracles in crypto connect blockchains to external data, enabling smart contracts to interact with real-world events. See more

Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a decentralized network model where participants interact directly without intermediaries. See more

Proof of Stake (PoS) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where participants validate transactions and secure the network based on the cryptocurrency they stake. Known for its energy efficiency and scalability, PoS powers many modern blockchains like Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana. See more

Proof of Work (PoW) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where miners solve complex puzzles to validate transactions and secure the network. While highly secure and decentralized, PoW is energy-intensive and faces scalability challenges, making it a topic of debate in the crypto space. See more

Polkadot is a blockchain platform that enables interoperability between different blockchains. Its relay chain, parachains, and DOT token facilitate scalable, secure, and customizable solutions for decentralized applications and Web3 projects. See more

Polygon is a blockchain platform designed to improve the scalability, efficiency, and interoperability of Ethereum and other compatible blockchains. See more

A private key is a secure alphanumeric code that grants access to cryptocurrency wallets. Essential for proving ownership and authorizing transactions, private keys must remain confidential to ensure the security of blockchain assets. See more

Pseudonymity allows users to engage in activities under an alias rather than their real identity. In cryptocurrency, pseudonyms like wallet addresses enhance privacy while maintaining transparency through traceable blockchain transactions. See more

A public key is a cryptographic code used to receive funds and verify digital signatures on blockchain networks. Freely shareable and transparent, it works alongside private keys to secure transactions and ensure authenticity. See more

A scannable two-dimensional barcode that stores information like links or payment data. See more

An RPC node is a server that allows external applications to interact with a blockchain via remote procedure calls. It facilitates querying blockchain data and submitting transactions securely and efficiently. See more

Settlement is the process of completing a transaction by transferring assets or funds between parties. See more

A shitcoin is a cryptocurrency with little to no value, utility, or long-term potential. Often driven by hype and speculation, shitcoins pose high risks to investors and are characterized by poor development, lack of purpose, and extreme volatility. See more. See more

Slippage occurs when a trade is executed at a price different from the expected one, often due to market volatility or low liquidity. It can be positive or negative and is common in cryptocurrency, stock, and forex trading. See more

Self-executing agreements on blockchain networks, automating processes like payments, asset transfers, and DeFi activities. Transparent, secure, and efficient, they eliminate intermediaries and power decentralized applications (dApps). See more

A snapshot captures the state of a blockchain at a specific point in time, recording data like token balances or account activity. Commonly used for governance voting, airdrops, and system maintenance, snapshots ensure fairness and data integrity in decentralized ecosystems. See more

A high-speed, low-cost blockchain platform designed for scalable decentralized applications. Known for its unique Proof of History mechanism, it enables fast transactions, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 innovations. See more

A cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by pegging to assets like fiat currency or commodities. They offer price stability, making them ideal for payments, trading, and DeFi applications, while leveraging blockchain technology for fast, borderless transactions. See more

Staking involves locking up cryptocurrency to support blockchain operations and earn rewards. It’s central to Proof of Stake systems, offering passive income, enhancing network security, and promoting eco-friendly alternatives to mining. See more

A stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, offering stability in the volatile crypto market. It’s widely used for trading, payments, and DeFi, providing liquidity and quick global transfers while sparking debate over reserve transparency. See more

Throughput measures how much data, work, or transactions a system can process in a given time. See more

A ticker is a unique symbol used to identify financial assets like stocks or cryptocurrencies on trading platforms. Examples include AAPL for Apple or BTC for Bitcoin, helping investors track and trade assets efficiently. See more

A Token ID is a unique identifier assigned to a blockchain-based token, essential for distinguishing individual assets in smart contracts. Widely used in NFTs and multi-token standards like ERC-721 and ERC-1155, Token IDs enable unique identification, ownership tracking, and transferability of assets. See more

A digital asset built on a blockchain, representing value, ownership, or utility within an ecosystem. Used for payments, governance, or access, tokens power decentralized applications and services like DeFi, NFTs, and more. See more

Tokenomics refers to the economic design of blockchain-based tokens, covering supply, utility, distribution, and incentives. A well-structured tokenomics model drives value, engagement, and stability in cryptocurrency ecosystems. See more

A privacy-focused software that anonymizes internet activity by routing traffic through encrypted servers. It’s a tool for secure browsing, bypassing censorship, and protecting your online identity. See more

A transaction fee is the cost paid to miners or validators for processing transactions on a blockchain. See more

A transfer involves moving assets between accounts or wallets, whether in traditional banking or blockchain networks. Blockchain transfers offer security, transparency, and efficiency but require careful attention to details like wallet addresses and network fees. See more

A unique identifier on a blockchain, enabling users to send, receive, or store cryptocurrencies securely. It acts like a digital account number, ensuring safe and efficient blockchain transactions. See more

The decentralized evolution of the internet, powered by blockchain technology and smart contracts. It enables user ownership of data, assets, and identities while supporting decentralized applications (dApps) and financial systems like DeFi and NFTs. See more

A whitelist is a list of approved individuals or wallet addresses granted exclusive access to events like token sales, NFT launches, or airdrops. See more

A whitepaper is a detailed document outlining a blockchain project’s goals, technology, and tokenomics. Common in the crypto world, it explains how a project solves real-world problems with the goal to attract investors with its clear vision and roadmap. See more