Crypto basics
What coins, tokens, blockchains, wallets and exchanges are, in plain English.
- What Is Cryptocurrency? A Clear Definition and How It WorksCryptocurrency is digital money secured by cryptography and recorded on a blockchain. Learn how it works, the main types, and the risks.
- What Is a Coin in Crypto? Definition and ExamplesA crypto coin is the native asset of its own blockchain, like BTC on Bitcoin or ETH on Ethereum. Learn what makes a coin a coin and how it differs from a token.
- What Is a Crypto Token? Definition, Types and Coin vs TokenA crypto token is a digital asset created by a smart contract on an existing blockchain. Learn the main token types, standards and how tokens differ from coins.
- What Is a Stablecoin? USDT, USDC and Depeg Risk ExplainedA stablecoin is a crypto token built to hold a steady value, usually $1. Learn how USDT, USDC and other stablecoins work, the main types and what depeg risk is.
- CEX vs DEX: Centralized vs Decentralized Crypto ExchangesA CEX is run by a company that holds your funds; a DEX runs on smart contracts and you keep custody. Compare fees, liquidity, risks and how perp DEXs work.
- What Is Bitcoin? How BTC Works, Supply and Halvings ExplainedBitcoin is a decentralized digital currency with a fixed 21 million supply, secured by proof-of-work mining. Learn how it works, halvings and how BTC trades.
- What Is Ethereum? Smart Contracts, Gas and ETH ExplainedEthereum is a programmable blockchain that runs smart contracts, and ether (ETH) pays for its gas fees. Learn how Ethereum works, proof of stake and gas math.
- What Is Blockchain? How Blocks, Hashes and Consensus WorkA blockchain is a shared ledger of transactions grouped into blocks, linked by hashes and kept by many computers. Learn how consensus and confirmations work.
- What Is a Crypto Wallet? Custodial vs Self-Custody ExplainedA crypto wallet stores the private keys that control your coins. Learn custodial vs self-custody, hot vs cold storage and how to keep a seed phrase safe.
- What Is DeFi? Decentralized Finance Explained With ExamplesDeFi (decentralized finance) is trading, lending and borrowing run by smart contracts, not banks. Learn how DEXs, lending and perp DEXs work, plus the risks.
- What Is Market Cap in Crypto? Circulating vs Fully DilutedMarket cap is a coin's price times its circulating supply. Learn how it differs from fully diluted valuation (FDV), why unlocks matter and how to read both.
- What Is Trading Volume in Crypto? Reported vs Real VolumeTrading volume is the value of a coin traded over a period, usually 24 hours. Learn how it is measured, why wash trading inflates it and what to check instead.
- What Is a Crypto Exchange? CEX, DEX, Spot and DerivativesA crypto exchange is a platform for buying, selling and trading crypto. Learn how CEXs and DEXs differ, spot vs derivatives markets, fees and the key risks.