Basic terminology

Binance Coin
Binance Coin (BNB) is a cryptocurrency created by the Binance exchange in 2017. It is used primarily as a utility token on the Binance exchange platform, allowing users to receive discounted trading fees and access to other benefits. In addition to its use on the Binance platform, BNB can also be used to pay for goods and services, and can be traded on other cryptocurrency exchanges.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the world's first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by an unknown person or group using the pseudonym "Satoshi Nakamoto". It is a decentralized digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network, with transactions verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. Bitcoin is often used as a store of value, a means of payment, and as an investment asset.
Blockchain
A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a peer-to-peer network. Each transaction is cryptographically signed and verified by network nodes, and is recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain. The blockchain is a distributed database that is continuously updated and maintained by a network of computers. It is often used to record transactions in cryptocurrencies, but can also be used to record other types of data such as supply chain information or medical records.
Burnable token
Burnable tokens are a type of cryptocurrency token that can be destroyed or "burned" in a transaction, reducing the overall supply. This can be useful for controlling inflation and ensuring that the token remains scarce and valuable. Burnable tokens are often used in projects such as decentralized finance (DeFi), where the total supply of tokens is often fixed.
Cardano
Cardano is a blockchain platform and cryptocurrency designed for secure, scalable, and sustainable decentralized applications. It was created in 2017 by Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), a blockchain research and development company. Cardano uses a proof-of-stake consensus algorithm, which is designed to be more energy-efficient than the proof-of-work algorithm used by Bitcoin.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that uses cryptography to secure and verify transactions and to control the creation of new units. Unlike traditional currencies, which are issued by governments and central banks, cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized networks and are not controlled by any single authority. Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity in recent years due to their potential for low transaction fees, fast transfer times, and their ability to operate independently of traditional financial institutions. There are currently over 5,000 cryptocurrencies in existence, with new ones being created every day. The most popular cryptocurrencies are Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin.
Cryptocurrency account address
A cryptocurrency account address is a unique identifier used to send and receive cryptocurrency transactions. Each cryptocurrency has its own address format, and users must use the correct address to ensure that their transactions are processed correctly. Cryptocurrency addresses can be generated using a wallet or exchange account.
Decentralized application
A decentralized application, or dApp, is an application that runs on a decentralized network, with no central authority controlling its operation. dApps can be built on a variety of blockchain platforms, and are often used in areas such as finance, gaming, and social media. Because they operate on a decentralized network, dApps are often more secure, transparent, and resistant to censorship than traditional applications.
Decentralized exchange
A decentralized exchange, or DEX, is a cryptocurrency exchange that operates on a decentralized network, without a central authority controlling transactions. DEXs are often seen as more secure and transparent than centralized exchanges, as they allow users to retain control of their own funds and reduce the risk of theft or hacking.
Decentralized finance
Decentralized finance, or DeFi, is a term used to describe financial services that are provided on a decentralized network, without a central authority controlling transactions. DeFi applications are often built on top of blockchain platforms, and are often used to provide services such as lending, borrowing, and trading. DeFi applications are often seen as more secure and transparent than traditional financial services, as they allow users to retain control of their own funds and reduce the risk of theft or hacking.
Decentralized network
A decentralized network is a network that does not have a central authority controlling its operation. Decentralized networks are often used to create decentralized applications, as they allow users to retain control of their own data and reduce the risk of censorship or hacking. Decentralized networks are often more secure and transparent than centralized networks, as they are not controlled by a single entity.
ERC20 token
ERC20 is a token standard that allows developers to create their own cryptocurrencies on the Ethereum blockchain. ERC20 tokens are designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), making them easy to integrate with existing Ethereum applications. ERC20 tokens are often used in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, as they can be used to create new financial instruments such as stablecoins and decentralized exchanges.
ERC721 token
ERC721 is a non-fungible token standard that allows developers to create unique, indivisible assets that cannot be replicated or divided. Each ERC721 token has a unique identifier, making it ideal for creating collectibles, virtual real estate, and other unique assets. The most famous example of ERC721 tokens is CryptoKitties, a blockchain-based game that allows players to collect, breed, and trade virtual cats.
ERC1155 token
ERC1155 is a multi-token standard that allows developers to create both fungible and non-fungible tokens within the same contract. ERC1155 tokens are designed to be more efficient than ERC20 and ERC721 tokens, as they require fewer transactions to create and manage. This makes them ideal for gaming and other applications that require a large number of tokens.
Ethereum
Ethereum is a blockchain platform and cryptocurrency used for creating and executing smart contracts and decentralized applications. It was created in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, and has since become one of the most popular blockchain platforms in the world. Ethereum uses a proof-of-work consensus algorithm, but is planning to switch to a proof-of-stake algorithm in the near future.
HD wallet
A hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallet is a type of cryptocurrency wallet that uses an algorithm to generate a series of private keys from a single seed phrase. This makes it easier for users to back up and recover their wallets, as they only need to remember the seed phrase. HD wallets are often used for their increased security and ease of use.
Mnemonic phrase
A mnemonic phrase, also known as a seed phrase or recovery phrase, is a series of words used to back up and recover a cryptocurrency wallet. These phrases typically consist of 12-24 words in a specific order, and are generated by the wallet software. Mnemonic phrases are important for ensuring that users can recover their wallets and funds if they are lost or stolen.
NFT
A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique, indivisible asset on a blockchain, such as digital art, collectibles, or in-game items. Unlike fungible tokens, which are identical to each other and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, NFTs are unique and cannot be replicated or divided. NFTs have gained popularity in recent years, with several high-profile sales of digital art and collectibles.
Private key
A private key is a secret code used to access and control a cryptocurrency wallet and its associated funds. Private keys are typically generated by the wallet software, and must be kept secure and secret by the user. If a private key is lost or stolen, the associated funds cannot be accessed.
Public key
A public key is a cryptographic code that is derived from a private key, and is used to receive cryptocurrency transactions. Each public key has a corresponding private key, and together they form a public-private key pair. Public keys can be shared with others to receive payments, but should not be used for any other purpose.
Proof-of-work
Proof-of-work (PoW) is a consensus algorithm used by many cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. In PoW, miners compete to solve a complex mathematical puzzle, and the first miner to solve the puzzle is rewarded with new cryptocurrency. PoW is designed to be secure and resistant to 51% attacks, but is also very energy-intensive and inefficient.
Proof-of-stake
Proof-of-stake (PoS) is a consensus algorithm used by many cryptocurrencies, including Cardano, EOS, and Tezos. In PoS, users are rewarded for holding cryptocurrency in their wallets, rather than for solving complex mathematical puzzles. PoS is designed to be more energy-efficient and scalable than proof-of-work, but is also less secure and more susceptible to 51% attacks.
Public blockchain
A public blockchain is a blockchain that is open to the public, and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection. Public blockchains are often used to create decentralized applications, as they allow users to retain control of their own data and reduce the risk of censorship or hacking. Public blockchains are often more secure and transparent than private blockchains, as they are not controlled by a single entity.
Private blockchain
A private blockchain is a blockchain that is only accessible to a select group of users. Private blockchains are often used by businesses to create private networks for sharing data and conducting transactions. Private blockchains are often more secure than public blockchains, as they are not accessible to the general public.
Smart contract
A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into code. They are used to automate the execution of contracts on a blockchain, without the need for a middleman. Smart contracts are often used in areas such as decentralized finance (DeFi), supply chain management, and voting systems.
Stable coin
A stable coin is a type of cryptocurrency that is designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to a fiat currency such as the US dollar. Stable coins are often used as a means of payment or as a store of value, as they are less volatile than other cryptocurrencies.
Tether
Tether is a popular stable coin that is pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. It is used by many cryptocurrency traders and exchanges as a means of transferring value between different cryptocurrencies.
Wrapped Bitcoin
Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is an ERC20 token that is backed by Bitcoin on a 1:1 basis. It allows Bitcoin holders to participate in Ethereum-based decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, such as lending and borrowing.
Wrapped cryptocoin
A wrapped cryptocoin is a cryptocurrency that is backed by another cryptocurrency on a 1:1 basis. Wrapped coins are often used to allow holders of one cryptocurrency to participate in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications that are built on another blockchain.
Wallet
A wallet is a software program used to store, send, and receive cryptocurrency. There are many different types of wallets, including hardware wallets, mobile wallets, desktop wallets, and paper wallets. Wallets can be either hot or cold, depending on whether they are connected to the internet.
Web 1.0
Web 1.0 is a term used to describe the first generation of the internet, which was built on top of centralized technologies such as servers and databases. Web 1.0 is expected to be replaced by Web 2.0, which will be built on top of decentralized technologies such as blockchain.
Web 2.0
Web 2.0 is a term used to describe the current generation of the internet, which is built on top of centralized technologies such as servers and databases. Web 2.0 is expected to be replaced by Web 3.0, which will be built on top of decentralized technologies such as blockchain.
Web 3.0
Web 3.0 is a term used to describe the next generation of the internet, which will be built on top of decentralized technologies such as blockchain. Web 3.0 is expected to be more secure, private, and censorship-resistant than the current web, and will be used to create decentralized applications and new business models.