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What is UniSwap (UNI) and How Does it Work?
Uniswap (UNI) is a decentralized exchange (DEX) built on the Ethereum blockchain. It allows users to trade Ethereum-based tokens without needing a centralized intermediary.
Uniswap uses a special liquidity provision, and a trading mechanism called an “automated market maker” (AMM). Instead of using order books to match buyers and sellers, as centralized exchanges do, Uniswap uses a mathematical algorithm to set the prices of tokens based on supply and demand.
When a user wants to trade a token, they provide liquidity to the pool by depositing an equal value of the token they want to trade and another token, called the “reserve token.” The algorithm then sets the exchange rate between the two tokens based on the ratio of their reserves in the pool.
When another user wants to trade the same pair of tokens, the algorithm executes the trade automatically, adjusting the reserve ratios and the exchange rate accordingly. This way, Uniswap can continuously provide a market for any ERC-20 token, regardless of whether there is a pre-existing market.
Uniswap also allows liquidity providers to earn a fee on every trade executed in the pools they provide liquidity to; these fees are returned to liquidity providers in the form of the Reserve token, which incentivizes more people to provide liquidity to the pools.
UniSwap’s Unique Features
Uniswap has several unique features that set it apart from other decentralized exchanges and centralized exchanges:
- Automated market maker (AMM) algorithm: As mentioned earlier, Uniswap uses an algorithm to set prices based on supply and demand rather than relying on order books. This allows for a more efficient and flexible market and the ability to trade any ERC-20 token without needing a pre-existing market.
- Liquidity provision: Uniswap allows users to provide liquidity to a trading pair by depositing an equal value of two tokens. In return, liquidity providers earn a fee on every trade executed in the pool, which is paid as a reserve token.
- Decentralized: Uniswap is built on the Ethereum blockchain, which means any centralized entity does not control it. This makes it more resistant to censorship, hacking, and centralized risks.
- Low barriers to entry: Because Uniswap is built on Ethereum, anyone can use the platform with just an Ethereum wallet. This makes it accessible to many users without traditional financial accounts.
- Governance: Uniswap has its native token (UNI), which can be used for governance, allowing the community to vote on proposals to upgrade and improve the platform.
- Flash Loans: Uniswap offers flash loans, a type of lending that allows users to borrow funds for a short period, usually less than an hour, without needing to go through a credit check. This allows for more complex trading strategies and financial operations.
What is the UNI Token
UNI is the native token of Uniswap. It was launched in September 2020 to govern the Uniswap protocol and has various uses.
- Governance: UNI holders can vote on proposals to upgrade and improve the Uniswap platform. This allows the community to have a say in the direction and development of the protocol.
- Access to exclusive features: UNI holders may have access to certain features, such as reduced trading fees or voting on proposals to list new tokens on the platform.
- Liquidity provision incentives: Uniswap rewards liquidity providers for their contributions to the platform by distributing a portion of trading fees back to them as a reserve token. UNI holders may earn additional rewards or discounts as a liquidity provider depending on the total amount of UNI held.
- Store of value: As with most cryptocurrencies, UNI can be bought and sold on various cryptocurrency exchanges and held as a store of value.
- Trading: UNI can be traded like any ERC-20 token on Uniswap, DEXs, or centralized exchanges.
In Summary
UniSwap is a DeFi decentralized exchange (DEX). UNI is an ERC-20 token, meaning it can be stored in any Ethereum wallet and transferred to other users on the Ethereum network. In addition, the UNI token governs the protocol, votes on proposals to upgrade and improve the platform, and has exclusive access features.