Blockchain

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. It operates independently of a central bank or government. Bitcoin, the first and most widely used cryptocurrency, was created in 2009. FIAT money, on the other hand, is a currency a government has declared legal tender, but a physical commodity (such as gold) does not back it. The value of fiat money is derived from the relationship between supply and demand rather than the value of the material…

The SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) is a government agency in the United States that is responsible for regulating securities markets and protecting investors. In crypto, the SEC plays a significant role in determining whether certain digital assets should be classified as securities, subject to federal securities laws and regulations. An example is the SEC's decision in 2019 to classify Ether (ETH) as a commodity rather than a security. This means that ETH is not subject to the same level of…

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is an independent agency of the United States government that regulates futures and options markets. In cryptocurrency, the CFTC has jurisdiction over derivatives and other financial products based on digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. A practical example of the CFTC's role in cryptocurrency would be its oversight of companies that offer Bitcoin futures contracts. These contracts allow traders to speculate on the future price of Bitcoin and are traded on regulated exchanges…

Crypto governance is the process by which stakeholders in a cryptocurrency or blockchain network make decisions about the network's protocol and operation. This can include decisions about software updates, changes to the network's consensus mechanism, and allocating funds for development and other expenses. One way crypto governance is implemented is through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), a digital organization run by code rather than by a central authority. In a DAO, stakeholders can propose and vote on proposals using their…

A hash time-lock contract (HTLC) is a type of smart contract that allows two parties to transact on a blockchain network in a trustless manner. It uses a cryptographic hash function and a time lock to ensure that the transaction can only be completed if certain conditions are met. It works because the sender generates a random value (the "preimage") and uses it to create a cryptographic hash. They then send the hash to the receiver along with the transaction…

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital version of a country's fiat currency issued and backed by the central bank. It can be used for electronic transactions and held in digital wallets. It works similarly to physical cash but is digital and can be transferred and stored electronically. Transactions using CBDCs are recorded on a digital ledger, similar to a blockchain, and can be tracked and verified by the central bank. CBDCs are still in the early stages…

Crypto validators, also known as "stakers," are individuals or entities that hold and validate transactions on a blockchain network. They do this by putting up a stake, or a deposit of cryptocurrency, as collateral to participate in the validation process. The validation process is typically done through a consensus mechanism, such as proof-of-stake or delegation, to ensure the integrity of the blockchain. In return for their validation services, validators typically receive rewards from transaction fees and a new cryptocurrency. Types…

A blockchain bridge is a mechanism that allows different blockchain networks to communicate with each other and transfer assets between them. This is done by creating a link, or "bridge," between the two networks that enable the transfer of assets or data from one network to another. One practical example of a blockchain bridge is using a "sidechain" to transfer assets from one blockchain network to another. A sidechain is a separate blockchain attached to the main blockchain and can…

On-chain transactions are transactions on a blockchain, where the transaction data is recorded on the blockchain itself. These transactions are considered to be transparent, secure, and irreversible. On the other hand, off-chain transactions take place outside the blockchain. These transactions are not recorded on the blockchain and are considered faster and less expensive than on-chain transactions. However, off-chain transactions are less secure and transparent than on-chain transactions. The main similarity between on-chain and off-chain transactions is that they both involve…