The world of cryptocurrency can be a confusing place for newcomers, but knowing some basic terms will help you navigate this dynamic space. Here’s a list of key terms and their explanations:
1️⃣ Blockchain
Blockchain is a distributed ledger that stores records of all transactions in the form of a chain of blocks. Each block contains several transactions and is linked to the previous block using a cryptographic hash function. This ensures the security and immutability of the data.
2️⃣ Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units. Examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
3️⃣ Smart contract
A smart contract is a self-executing contract with conditions written in code. It automatically executes and verifies the terms of the contract without the need for intermediaries. It is used in blockchain to create decentralized applications (dApps).
4️⃣ Token
A token is a digital asset built on an existing blockchain platform (such as Ethereum). Tokens can represent various assets or rights and can be used to participate in projects or platforms.
5️⃣ ICO (Initial Coin Offering)
ICO is a method of attracting investment for new cryptocurrency projects. Investors buy project tokens in exchange for cryptocurrency or fiat money before the project becomes available on exchanges.
6️⃣ DApp (Decentralized Application)
DApps are decentralized applications that run on a blockchain. They enable operations without the need for a centralized server and can use smart contracts to perform functions.
7️⃣ Staking
Staking is the process of holding cryptocurrency in a wallet to support blockchain operations, such as confirming transactions and creating new blocks. In return, users are rewarded with additional tokens.
8️⃣ Fork
A fork (or division) is an update or change to the blockchain protocol that can lead to the creation of a new block or cryptocurrency. Forks can be soft forks or hard forks, depending on the extent of the change.
9⃣ Market Capitalization
The market capitalization of a cryptocurrency is calculated as the current price multiplied by the number of existing tokens. This helps to estimate the overall volume and importance of the cryptocurrency in the market.
🔟 Address
An address is a unique string of characters used to send and receive cryptocurrency. Addresses can be public (for receiving funds) or private (for accessing funds).
1️⃣1️⃣ Hash function
A hash function is a cryptographic function that transforms input data into a fixed length value. In blockchain, it is used to create blocks and ensure their integrity.
1️⃣2️⃣ Gas
Gas is a unit of measurement of the computing resources required to perform operations on the Ethereum network. It is used to calculate fees for transactions and smart contracts.
1️⃣3️⃣Волатильность
Volatility is a measure of the change in the price of an asset over a period of time. In the cryptocurrency world, volatility is usually high due to speculation and news.
1️⃣4⃣ Bear and Bull Market
A bear market is a period when cryptocurrency prices are falling. A bull market is a period when prices are rising and investors are positive.
1️⃣5⃣ Pump and Dump
Pump and dump is a market manipulation in which a group of traders artificially inflates (pump) the price of a cryptocurrency and then sells their holdings (dump) to profit from the artificially inflated price.
1️⃣6⃣ Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
DeFi is financial services and tools built on blockchain and independent of traditional financial intermediaries such as banks. This includes lending, exchange, staking, and other financial transactions.
💡 Knowing these terms will help you better understand how the cryptocurrency market works and make more informed investment and technology decisions.
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