Trading and using DEXes, and Blockchain.com’s DEX Aggregator.

Decentralized Exchanges

Learn the history, break down the white paper, and get started with the OG.

Introduction to Bitcoin

Empower control with self custody. Seed Phrases, private keys, and why “not your keys, not your crypto” is important.

Wallets and Self Custody

Crypto is fast becoming part of some people’s investment portfolios.

Investing 101

Investment Strategies

It’s important to understand if you need to pay taxes on your crypto gains. Do your research.

Taxes

Supercharge your crypto with Rewards and Staking.

Earn

Learn more about staking crypto, and how to get started with Blockchain.com.

Staking

Beginner’s Crypto Security

Avoiding Scams

Learn about real life applications of crypto, happening now.

Crypto IRL

Our mission is to make it easy for anyone, anywhere to access the world of crypto.

The Story of Blockchain.com

Beyond the future of finance and cryptocurrency.

Elsewhere in blockchain and web3

Get an understanding of how the crypto market rhymes.

The Crypto Market Cycle

Beyond Bitcoin

The future views of the next evolutions in DeFi.

Where DeFi is going

Introduction to DeFi

Buy Bitcoin, Ehtereum, and more with a Blockchain.com Wallet. Buy crypto with USD, GBP, EUR, NGN.

How do I buy crypto?

Curious about memecoins? This guide explains how to buy memecoins in 2024!  Explore popular tokens like Shiba Inu & Pepe, and discover a safe way to trade them with USD, GBP, EUR on Blockchain.com. 

Introduction to Memecoins

The history of memecoins is not just a tale of coins like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu; it's a fascinating journey that reflects the intersection of technology, community, and humor.

The History of Memecoins

Discover how real-world assets are tokenized to bring stocks, real estate, and more onto the blockchain.

Real-World Assets, Explained

Learn more about perpetual futures, and how to get started with Blockchain.com.

Perpetual futures

The basics of crypto-backed loans and why they're different from selling your crypto.

Crypto-backed loans

ZetaChain is a public blockchain built on Cosmos SDK and Tendermint Consensus. It aims to solve the problems of connecting different blockchains by offering a transparent, decentralized, and highly connected network that allows seamless communication between any blockchain.
Fully Decentralized: ZetaChain operates as a Proof-of-Stake blockchain, ensuring transparency and security for all transactions. This means no single entity controls the network, making it safer and more trustworthy.
Connected Nodes: ZetaChain's network includes nodes that monitor and interact with various blockchains. This allows for seamless communication and transactions between different blockchains, creating a truly interconnected system.
Omnichain Smart Contracts: Developers can create smart contracts on ZetaChain that interact with multiple blockchains. This enables the development of more versatile and powerful applications that can operate across different blockchain networks.
ZETA: The native cryptocurrency of the ZetaChain network is the ZETA token. It is used to pay for transaction fees and can be staked to support the network's security and governance.



<h2>Investment Risk</h2>
Crypto Asset Risks
Here are some common risks to understand before investing:
<ul>
<li>
Investment Risk: Crypto asset performance can be volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest.
</li>
<li>
No Protections: Crypto assets are generally unregulated. You will not have access to financial compensation schemes or ombudsman services in the event something goes wrong with your investments.
</li>
<li>
Complex: Crypto assets are complex. Do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
</li>
<li>
Diversification: Putting all your money in a single type of investment is risky. It is good practice not to investment more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments such as crypto assets.
</li>
</ul>
Wrapped Token Risks
Wrapped crypto assets are tokenised representations of other crypto assets. They typically built to facilitate compatibility and interaction across multiple blockchain protocols.
<ul>
<li>
Smart Contract Risk: Vulnerabilities in smart contracts can be exploited, potentially leading to a loss of funds for wrapped tokens.
</li>
<li>
Collateral Risk: The mechanisms ensuring collateralisation may fail, affecting the value of wrapped tokens.
</li>
<li>
Custodial Risk: If the custodian of underlying assets becomes insolvent or experiences fraud or hacking, the value of wrapped tokens may be at risk.
</li>
<li>
Bridging Risk: Technical issues in integration layers can hamper the transfer and utilisation of wrapped tokens across different blockchain ecosystems.
</li>
</ul>
Pricing Disparity: Market inefficiencies or liquidity issues can cause the price of wrapped assets to diverge from their underlying assets.

ZetaChain is a public blockchain built on Cosmos SDK and Tendermint Consensus. It aims to solve the problems of connecting different blockchains by offering a transparent, decentralized, and highly connected network that allows seamless communication between any blockchain.

What is Zetachain (ZETA)?

Zetachain, Explained

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<h2>What is SOL?</h2>
Solana is a blockchain platform that includes proof of history (PoH) technology to improve speed without sacrificing security. Because of its PoH technology, Solana is one of the fastest blockchains available, with an average processing speed of 2,700 transactions per second. The native cryptocurrency of the Solana network is the SOL token, which is currently in the top ten of all cryptocurrencies for market capitalization.
<h2>Use cases of SOL</h2>
Transaction fees: The SOL token is used to pay transaction fees on the Solana network, which are remarkably low thanks to the high throughput of SOL. Transaction fees on SOL average $0.00025 per transaction.
Staking: Like many other cryptocurrencies, holders can stake their SOL for rewards, governance voting and gain eligibility to become a validator.
dApps and smart contracts: Similar to Ethereum, SOL uses smart contracts that support decentralized applications, and there is a tremendous variety of dApps that exist in the SOL ecosystem.
Creating currencies: Many dApps within Solana have created their own currencies, which power their projects. SOL is an attractive blockchain for this use due to its scalability.
<h2>Why is SOL getting attention?</h2>
Ethereum alternative: Solana is an increasingly popular alternative to Ethereum thanks to its lower fees and faster speeds.
Hub for NFTs: With lower congestion than other blockchain platforms, SOL could become a standard for those looking to build and host an NFT marketplace or explore gaming applications in crypto.
DeFi projects: The Solana ecosystem houses a wide variety of DeFi projects, such as decentralized exchanges (DEX), lending protocols, crypto wallets, investment platforms, and payment systems.



<h2>Investment Risk</h2>
Crypto Asset Risks
Here are some common risks to understand before investing:
<ul>
<li>
Investment Risk: Crypto asset performance can be volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest.
</li>
<li>
No Protections: Crypto assets are generally unregulated. You will not have access to financial compensation schemes or ombudsman services in the event something goes wrong with your investments.
</li>
<li>
Complex: Crypto assets are complex. Do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
</li>
<li>
Diversification: Putting all your money in a single type of investment is risky. It is good practice not to investment more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments such as crypto assets.
</li>
</ul>
Staked Asset Risks
Staked crypto assets are locked on the relevant blockchain protocol to secure the network and earn rewards. This may present some risks:
<ul>
<li>
Slashing Risk: Staking may result in losses if the network penalises your validator for malfeasance, whether intentional or due to software issues.
</li>
<li>
Liquidity Risk: Some protocols lock staked assets for specific periods, limiting quick access or sale.
</li>
<li>
APY Not Guaranteed: Staking y yields are determined by the protocol and may vary over time.
</li>
<li>
Protocol Risks: Changes or updates to staking protocols can introduce new vulnerability or unforeseen outcomes.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Solana (SOL), an energy-efficient, fast, and low-cost blockchain that powers dApps around the world.

Exploring: Solana with Lily Liu, President of the Solana Foundation

What is Solana?

Solana, Explained

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<h2>Real world uses of Dogecoin</h2>
Tipping: Dogecoin is often used for tipping on social media platforms, such as Reddit and Twitter. This allows users to show their appreciation for content creators without having to spend a lot of money
Charitable donations: Dogecoin has also been used to raise money for charitable causes. In 2014, for example, the Dogecoin community raised over $50,000 to help the Jamaican bobsled team compete in the Winter Olympics
Purchases: Dogecoin can also be used to purchase goods and services from a variety of merchants. The number of businesses that accept Dogecoin is growing, but it is still not as widely accepted as other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.
Overall, Dogecoin is a versatile cryptocurrency that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is a popular choice for tipping and charitable donations, and it is becoming increasingly accepted as a form of payment.
<h2>Key features of Dogecoin</h2>
Decentralized: Dogecoin is not controlled by any central authority. This makes it very secure and resistant to censorship
Transparent: All Dogecoin transactions are recorded in the blockchain, which is a public ledger. This makes it very easy to track Dogecoin transactions
Inflationary: There is no limit to the number of Dogecoin that can be created. This makes Dogecoin a less scarce asset than Bitcoin, but it also makes it more accessible to people who want to get involved with cryptocurrency.
Dogecoin is a unique and innovative cryptocurrency with the potential to be used for a variety of purposes.



<h2>Investment Risk</h2>
Crypto Asset Risks
Here are some common risks to understand before investing:
<ul>
<li>
Investment Risk: Crypto asset performance can be volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise. You should be prepared to lose all the money you invest.
</li>
<li>
No Protections: Crypto assets are generally unregulated. You will not have access to financial compensation schemes or ombudsman services in the event something goes wrong with your investments.
</li>
<li>
Complex: Crypto assets are complex. Do your own research before investing. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
</li>
<li>
Diversification: Putting all your money in a single type of investment is risky. It is good practice not to investment more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments such as crypto assets.
</li>
</ul>
Memecoin Risks
"Memecoins" are crypto assets whose value is primarily driven by community interest and online trends.
<ul>
<li>
Volatility Risk: Meme coins experience extreme and unpredictable price fluctuations influenced by social media trends, celebrity endorsements, and speculative trading.
</li>
<li>
Lack of Utility: Meme coins often lack intrinsic value and utility, relying on community interest and online trends.
</li>
<li>
Market Manipulation: Meme coins are susceptible to market manipulation, including "pump-and-dump" schemes.
</li>
<li>
Lack of Transparency: Limited information about development teams and financials makes it challenging to assess meme coins accurately.
</li>
<li>
Emotional Investing: Strong emotional reactions can lead to impulsive decisions, amplifying losses.
</li>
<li>
Governance Risks: Some meme coins let token holders vote on decisions for the ecosystem. This can be risky, as some people may try to exploit this to control the outcomes.
</li>
<li>
Community-Driven Risks: Meme coins depend heavily on their community, without a central authority or formal structure in place. This can cause, as major holders or influential community members could disproportionately influence decisions or market movements. Also If the community loses interest, the coin&rsquo;s value could drop quickly.
</li>
<li>
Limited Utility: Investors should be aware that meme coins may not provide the same functionality or adoption as other digital assets.
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Dogecoin is a digital currency that was created in 2013 by Jackson Palmer and Billy Markus. It is a fork of Litecoin, which means that it is based on the same code but has some minor differences.

What is Dogecoin?

Dogecoin, Explained

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<h2>What is Ethereum?</h2>
Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain technology that&rsquo;s not owned or regulated by a third party such as a government or central bank.
Ethereum is used for building decentralized apps (dApps), holding and transacting cryptocurrency and other digital assets, and creating new cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum&rsquo;s native cryptocurrency, called ether (abbreviated to ETH), powers Ethereum. Imagine ETH as the fuel and Ethereum as the engine.
<h2>How does Ethereum work?</h2>
The Ethereum network is like a large, powerful, decentralized computer.
Through computer code it can complete almost any task if it has enough time, processing power and instructions.
This means a varied range of applications can be built on its blockchain, making Ethereum the rails on which many blockchain-based projects run.
<h2>How do Ethereum and Bitcoin compare?</h2>
The basic similarities between Bitcoin and Ethereum are:
They&rsquo;re not owned or regulated by a third party such as a central bank.
They both use blockchain technology to record and store transaction detailsK P They both have digital currencies (BTC and ETH) that can be stored in&nbsp;cryptocurrency wallets. 
However, the main differences are:
Use case: Ethereum was created as a platform to facilitate smart contracts and dApps. Bitcoin was created as a currency alternative.
Supply: Ethereum has no limits on its total supply amount and instead uses its own supply and demand economics to define its scarcity. Bitcoin has a fixed total supply of 21 million.
How it works: Ethereum uses a proof-of-stake consensus algorithm, which means that users can earn rewards by holding ETH in their wallets and staking, or pledging, them to validate transactions. Bitcoin runs on a proof-of-work consensus algorithm, which involves people dedicating computing power to validate transactions (called mining).
<h2>Who created Ethereum?</h2>
Ethereum was originally proposed by Russian-Canadian programmer, Vitalik Buterin.
In 2013 Buterin released a whitepaper which described a blockchain network that allows developers to create their own dApps.
As a co-founder of Bitcoin magazine, Buterin was already an active member of the crypto community prior to developing Ethereum, and naturally, the network promised to go beyond what the Bitcoin network could offer.
From the development of the whitepaper, many other co-founders joined his vision, including Gavin Wood and Charles Hoskinson.
Today, Ethereum is run by hundreds of thousands of developers located around the world and is constantly evolving.
The most recent example in its evolution is the &ldquo;Ethereum Merge,&rdquo; transitioning Ethereum from a proof of work to a proof of stake consensus mechanism.
As proof of stake does not rely on high amounts of computer processing power, the move to proof of stake is said to reduce Ethereum&rsquo;s energy consumption by approximately 99.95%.
<h2>What can you do with Ethereum?</h2>
Beyond using ETH like money or a store of value, most of what can be built on Ethereum is through dApps.
A dApp is an application which is run on a decentralized peer-to-peer network as opposed to an app which is run on centralized servers (like Uber or Twitter).
This permissionless nature means that builders can experiment freely without input from a central authority.
Here are some examples: 
1. DeFi (Decentralized finance): Decentralized finance is an umbrella term given to financial services and products like lending, borrowing, and earning interest, that can be accessed on public blockchains without the permission of a third party such as a bank.
2. NFTs (Non-fungible token): An NFT is a digital asset stored on a blockchain, that is unique and impossible to replicate. While other blockchains have implemented their own version of NFTs, the first ever NFT was built on the Ethereum blockchain. NFTs can represent anything from digital art to in-game items and even real-world assets like land or houses.
3. DAOs: DAOs are decentralized autonomous organizations. Instead of having a CEO in place, DAOs are collectively owned. How the organization works and how funds are spent are baked into the Ethereum blockchain through the use of smart contracts.
4. Other cryptocurrencies: You can create your own cryptocurrencies that can be purchased with ETH on the Ethereum blockchain. There are different guidelines or standards to follow in order to create a token on Ethereum to ensure they are compatible with online Exchanges such as the Blockchain.com Exchange. The ERC-20 standard is the most popular standard. Examples of other cryptocurrencies built on Ethereum are Tether and USDC, the two largest stablecoins in the crypto market.
<h2>Transacting on the Ethereum network</h2>
Here&rsquo;s a simple breakdown of what happens when someone wants to send Ether using blockchain technology:
<ol>
<li>Every Ethereum transaction made, along with the sender&rsquo;s public key, is recorded in a public list called the blockchain. Each facilitated transaction will charge the sender a &lsquo;gas fee&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The main mechanism by which Ethereum transactions are confirmed and validated is called &ldquo;proof of stake&rdquo;. A proof of stake mechanism means that anyone who wants to add new blocks to the chain must stake (offer up) at least 32 ETH and run specialized validator software.</li>
<li>Participants are then selected at random to add blocks to the blockchain in return for the gas fee as payment. The full public list is then distributed to every computer that is connected to the Ethereum network.</li>
</ol>
<h2>What are Gas Fees?</h2>
Ethereum &ldquo;gas&rdquo; is the fee that&rsquo;s applied to carry out a transaction or execute a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain.
The &ldquo;gas fee&rdquo; is priced at fractions of ETH and the amount depends on the supply and demand of the network at the time of the transaction.
<h2>What is Proof of Stake?</h2>
<a href="https://medium.com/blockchain/the-ethereum-merge-what-you-need-to-know-3dff4ec0b597" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">The Ethereum Merge</a> refers to developers changing Ethereum&rsquo;s consensus mechanism from proof of work to proof of stake to ensure every transaction and new block added on the network is valid.
<h2>How can you build on Ethereum?</h2>
Every node (computer participating on the Ethereum network) holds a copy of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).
The EVM is a piece of software that acts like a decentralized &ldquo;computer&rdquo; that has the ability to execute millions of projects through the use of &ldquo;smart contracts&rdquo;.
<h2>What is a smart contract?</h2>
A smart contract is a self-executing contract in which the terms of an agreement between two or more parties are written as lines of code, which are baked into the blockchain.
A traditional contract is often slow, relies on trust and often physical record keeping.
Since smart contracts exist in a public ledger, they are distributed throughout the blockchain network so the terms of the agreement cannot be tampered with or changed.
Smart contracts are like digital &ldquo;if-then&rdquo; statements which can be synced with external databases &mdash; if a condition of the contract is met then the agreement is approved.
<h2>What industries use Ethereum smart contracts?</h2>
Insurance: AXA insurance used smart contracts to automatically pay out flight delay insurance claims. They applied a smart contract to air traffic databases, and when a delay is detected, the smart contract will automatically pay the relevant customers.
Supply chain: Grocery stores such as Walmart have implemented smart contracts to track the end- to-end journey of items. This offers more transparency across product sources as well as quickly highlighting identifying missing products.
Real estate: Seattle-based company SMARTRealty introduced smart contracts to record information such as monthly payment amount, duration of a contract and contract auto-renew, into the blockchain.
<h2>What&rsquo;s the future of Ethereum?</h2>
In 1989, British scientist Tim Berners-Lee created the open-source and free-to-use World Wide Web (WWW), making it possible for the internet to evolve as fast as it has. Buterin upheld this spirit in writing the Ethereum whitepaper.
In 2021, Berners-Lee sold the original source code for the WWW as an NFT on the Ethereum blockchain, and the symbolic baton was passed.
Beyond offering a new revenue stream for creators and laying the technical foundations for start-up developers, Ethereums&rsquo; role in creating a version of the internet that gives ownership back to the user is pivotal.
And after a highly successful <a href="https://medium.com/blockchain/the-ethereum-merge-what-you-need-to-know-3dff4ec0b597" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">Ethereum Merge</a> proving the network&rsquo;s resistance, a new chapter in Ethereum&rsquo;s history has just started.
</div>
</div>
</div>

Ethereum was first described in a 2013 whitepaper by Vitalik Buterin. Buterin, along with other co-founders, secured funding for the project in an online public crowd sale in the summer of 2014. The project team managed to raise $18.3 million in Bitcoin, and Ethereum’s price in the Initial Coin Offering (ICO) was $0.311, with over 60 million Ether sold. Taking Ethereum’s price now, this puts the return on investment (ROI) at an annualized rate of over 270%, essentially almost quadrupling your investment every year since the summer of 2014.

Exploring: Ethereum with Anthony Sassano

What is Ethereum?

Ethereum, Explained

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<h2>What is Bitcoin?</h2>
Bitcoin (abbreviated BTC) is digital money that can be used to make secure peer-to- peer transactions on the internet without the need for a third party intermediary (like a bank) to facilitate transactions.
It was created by an open-source community in part due to banks&rsquo; detrimental actions during the Great Financial Crisis of 2008, which involved governments printing money and bailing out the financial institutions responsible for the crash.
At its core, Bitcoin allows you to&nbsp;Be Your Own Bank&reg; eliminating the need to get permission from a company to complete a transaction. On the bitcoin network there are no restrictions on who a user can send money to and how much money can be sent, and operations run around the clock not just during business hours.
Beyond enabling you to Be Your Own Bank&reg; bitcoin also &ldquo;banks the unbanked&rdquo;, as financial services cost money to set up and maintain.
From initial deposits, to withdrawal, and membership fees, there are currently over two billion unbanked individuals in the world.
Bitcoin itself can be used as a store of value or medium of exchange that only exists in the digital domain. You cannot hold or see bitcoin.
The Bitcoin network and the bitcoins that power the network were created to be used on the internet, it is not owned by anyone or company &mdash; it is a true open payment network that anyone with an internet connection can access.
<h2>What can you do with bitcoin?</h2>
Use it Like Money: Accepted by many companies including Starbucks and Virgin Galactic, Bitcoin can be used to make purchases
Transfer Funds More Quickly and Cheaply: Funds can be transferred more efficiently (peer to peer) without high processing fees by the removal of a third party intermediary like a bank or payment processor
Use It As a Store of Value: A store of value should be worth the same or more over time. Bitcoin is often referred to as &lsquo;digital gold&rsquo; &mdash; it&rsquo;s limited in supply with specific use-cases. Amidst its volatility - bitcoin has appreciated over 15k% since conception.
<h2>How do you get bitcoin?</h2>
<ol>
<li>You can buy bitcoin using fiat currency (e.g. USD, GBP, EUR) through a Brokerage or Exchange like Blockchain.com.</li>
<li>You can sell something and accept payment in bitcoin.</li>
<li>You can &ldquo;mine&rdquo; bitcoin using specialized computer equipment. (more on this below).</li>
</ol>
<h2>Do I need to buy a whole bitcoin?</h2>
No. Bitcoin can be bought fractionally. For example, if bitcoin&rsquo;s price is $20,000, you can purchase 0.1 Bitcoin for $2,000.
In fact, there&rsquo;s a special name for the smallest unit of bitcoin that can be traded: satoshi, or sats for short. There are 100 million satoshis in one unit of bitcoin.
With market supply and demand, the price of bitcoin is always changing. You can check the live price of a whole Bitcoin here.
<h2>Who created Bitcoin?</h2>
The Bitcoin whitepaper &ldquo;Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System&rdquo;, was published in an email list called the Cryptography Correspondence Group under the pseudonym (fake name) Satoshi Nakamoto on October 31, 2008.
A white paper is an academic document which a project team or company writes to outline the full scope of the product, including the problem that it&rsquo;s solving.
The problem Satoshi Nakamoto was trying to solve was related to the current financial system and crisis that occurred in 2008.
The Bitcoin white paper explains that:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;The root problem with conventional currencies is all the trust that&rsquo;s required to make it work.
The central bank must be trusted not to debase the currency, but the history of fiat currencies is full of breaches of that trust.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
In 2009, the software was publicly released and the bitcoin network was launched.
Nakamoto was still active in the project with other developers for an additional year, but in 2010 they stopped contributing and their real identity still remains unknown.
As open source software, hundreds of developers, companies and organizations contribute to Bitcoin&rsquo;s code.
<h2>Bitcoin, bitcoin, or BTC?</h2>
Capitalizing or abbreviating bitcoin can be confusing. Here&rsquo;s what each of these means:
Bitcoin: Bitcoin with an uppercase B is referring to the Bitcoin network and protocol. This is the system that the bitcoin currency runs on.
bitcoin: The lowercase spelling of bitcoin refers only to the cryptocurrency, not the payment network or blockchain protocol.
BTC: BTC is the abbreviated version of bitcoin, and again refers to the cryptocurrency. The use of BTC is similar to a stock ticker symbol and is what you&rsquo;ll usually see on price charts.
<h2>How does it work?</h2>
The Bitcoin blockchain can be accessed and managed by any computer, anywhere in the world. The computers that run on the bitcoin blockchain are embedded with a set of rules which makes the data (bitcoins) scarce and valuable.
As a rule, only 21 million bitcoins can be produced, and this scarcity limit ultimately gives bitcoin its value.
Here&rsquo;s a simple breakdown of what happens when someone wants to send bitcoin using blockchain technology.
When someone joins the bitcoin network they are given a public key, which you can think of like an email address and a private key which you can think of like a password.
Every bitcoin transaction made, along with the sender&rsquo;s public key, is recorded in a public list called the blockchain.
The main mechanism by which bitcoin transactions are confirmed and validated is called &ldquo;mining&rdquo;.
The public full list is then distributed to every computer that is connected to the Bitcoin network.
As this public list is in chronological order of transactions, it&rsquo;s possible to trace the history of all bitcoin activity that&rsquo;s ever occurred. The bitcoin ledger is resistant to both tampering and censorship.
This &ldquo;open&rdquo; nature prevents and discourages people or &ldquo;bad actors&rdquo; from spending coins that aren&rsquo;t theirs, making copies of coins or even reversing transactions.
You can check all transactions on the Bitcoin network on the Blockchain.com Explorer.
<h2>What is bitcoin mining?</h2>
Bitcoin mining consists of two processes:
<ul>
<li>The verification of new transactions on the blockchain</li>
<li>The process by which new bitcoin enters into circulation</li>
</ul>
Different transactions that have occurred around the same time are bundled together into &ldquo;blocks&rdquo; in order to add to the blockchain.
A new block containing all of the transactions that have occurred since the last block is &ldquo;mined&rdquo; is added to the blockchain by one &ldquo;miner&rdquo; roughly every ten minutes. Once added, the transactions within the block are &ldquo;confirmed&rdquo;.
<h2>What&rsquo;s in it for bitcoin miners?</h2>
Bitcoin miners are incentivised by bitcoin rewards which they can receive in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>If they are the successful miner who adds the new block to the blockchain</li>
<li>Through transaction fees from all the transactions included in the block</li>
</ul>
To be the miner who adds the next block to the blockchain, miners must compete to solve an extremely complex mathematical problem based on a cryptographic hash algorithm.
The &ldquo;answer&rdquo; to the problem is called the &ldquo;proof of work&rdquo; and is included in the new block.
The miner who solves the puzzle fastest adds the new block to the blockchain. Mining is performed by specialized computers with very high processing power.
Listen to our podcast on, <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blockchainbylines/episodes/QA-What-Exactly-is-Bitcoin-Mining--With-Jaime-Leverton-of-Hut-8-e1f1clg" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">What Exactly is Bitcoin Mining? With Jaime Leverton of mining farm Hut 8.</a>
<h2>What is the difference between cryptocurrency, bitcoin and blockchain?</h2>
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency.
In fact, bitcoin was the first ever cryptocurrency developed. Cryptocurrency (including bitcoin) is digital money that is run on a blockchain.
Since bitcoin was created, thousands of new cryptocurrencies have been developed. Bitcoin remains the most popular however in terms of market capitalization and trading volume.
<h2>Characteristics of Bitcoin</h2>
Bitcoin is a fairly new technology, but shares many of the same characteristics of money:
Limited supply, durability, divisibility, portability, fungibility and acceptability.
<img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/SmkkNR4SmGyMUBcRlOWw">
<h2>Is Bitcoin safe?</h2>
Bitcoin uses cryptographic technology, which secures the information by transforming it into a format that makes it hard for unintended recipients to understand.
That&rsquo;s not to say bitcoin does not come without risks, here are some you should be aware of:
<ul>
<li>Loss of crypto keys. As with all crypto self-custody, if you lose your keys, you can lose access to your crypto funds</li>
<li>A &ldquo;51% attack&rdquo;. In theory, this could occur when a single miner or mining group takes majority control of the bitcoin blockchain and essentially &ldquo;hacks&rdquo; the network</li>
<li>Actions are irreversible. The user is ultimately responsible for what they do. When you click send on a cryptocurrency transaction, it can&rsquo;t be undone</li>
<li>Unclear regulation. Although crypto and bitcoin are regulated in parts of the world such as the US, crypto assets could be subject to stricter regulations in the future.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Is Bitcoin the future?</h2>
Economic value is generated when enough people agree that something is valuable. Through this principle, money has taken many forms through the ages: shells, rocks and even cows.
One of the world&rsquo;s most wealthiest individuals, Elon Musk, famously said:
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Bitcoin&rsquo;s structure is very ingenious. The paper money disappears, and crypto-currencies are a much better way to transfer values than a piece of paper, that&rsquo;s for sure.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
From the 20th century onward, we&rsquo;ve quickly advanced from a cash-based society to plastic cards, to plastic contactless cards.
Who&rsquo;s to say that bitcoin isn&rsquo;t just the next iteration of money?
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Bitcoin (BTC) is a decentralized currency that eliminates the need for central authorities such as banks or governments by using a peer-to-peer internet network to confirm transactions directly between users.

What exactly is Bitcoin Mining? With Jaime Leverton of Hut 8

What is Bitcoin?

BTC, Explained

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<h2>Key features of DAI</h2>
Decentralization and Governance: DAI operates on the Ethereum blockchain and is governed by the MakerDAO community. The decentralized governance model allows MKR token holders to participate in decision-making processes, including adjustments to the stability fee and changes to the collateral types accepted within the MakerDAO system.
Collateralized Stability: DAI maintains its peg to the US Dollar through a collateralized debt position (CDP) system. Users can lock up various assets, such as Ethereum (ETH), as collateral to generate DAI. The collateralization ratio ensures the stability of DAI by adjusting fees and liquidating undercollateralized positions.
Stability Mechanisms: The MakerDAO system employs stability mechanisms, including the Dai Savings Rate (DSR) and the stability fee. The DSR incentivizes users to lock their DAI in a savings contract by earning interest. The stability fee, on the other hand, is a cost incurred by users who generate DAI through collateralized debt positions.
Decentralized Oracles: DAI's stability is maintained with the help of decentralized oracles that provide real-time price feeds for various collateral assets. This decentralized approach mitigates the risk of relying on a single centralized authority for pricing information.
Use in DeFi Protocols: DAI has become a cornerstone in the DeFi ecosystem, serving as a stable medium of exchange and a popular choice for collateralization within various decentralized lending and borrowing platforms. Its stability and trustless nature make it a preferred stablecoin in the DeFi space.
Smart Contracts and Transparency: DAI is created and managed through smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. The transparency of these contracts allows users to audit and verify the supply of DAI in circulation, collateralization levels, and other key parameters.
<h2>Maintaining stability in DAI</h2>
DAI's stability is achieved through a combination of decentralized governance, collateralization, and algorithmic adjustments. The MakerDAO community actively monitors and adjusts the protocol to ensure that DAI remains pegged to the US Dollar. The collateralization ratio acts as a crucial parameter, enabling the system to absorb market fluctuations while maintaining stability.
<h2>The role of DAI in DeFi</h2>
As a decentralized and stable cryptocurrency, DAI plays a pivotal role in the DeFi ecosystem. It provides users with a stable and trustless medium of exchange, facilitates decentralized lending and borrowing, and serves as a reliable unit of account within various DeFi protocols.
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Dai is a decentralized stablecoin on Ethereum, maintaining value through smart contracts.

What is Dai?

Dai, Explained

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<h2>Origins and history</h2>
USDC made its debut in September 2018 as a collaboration between Circle and Coinbase, two prominent names in the cryptocurrency industry. This partnership aimed to create a digital dollar that could seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging world of blockchain. From its inception, USDC has been underpinned by a commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, setting the stage for its rapid ascent.
<h2>Understanding USDC</h2>
USD Coin (USDC) is a fiat-backed stablecoin, meticulously designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. This means that for every USDC in circulation, there is an equivalent US dollar held in reserve, providing users with confidence in the stability of the token. USDC operates on Ethereum's blockchain using the ERC-20 standard, fostering interoperability across various platforms.
<h2>Unique features of USDC</h2>
Transparency and Auditing: One distinguishing aspect of USDC is its unwavering commitment to transparency. Regular audits by reputable firms ensure that the reserves backing USDC are always equivalent to the circulating supply. This commitment has played a pivotal role in instilling trust within the crypto community.
Regulatory Compliance: USDC has taken a proactive approach to regulatory compliance. It is issued by regulated financial institutions, ensuring that it aligns with established financial norms. This commitment to compliance has positioned USDC as a reliable and compliant digital dollar.
Utility Beyond Stability: While stability is at the core of USDC's design, its utility extends beyond being a stable store of value. USDC is widely accepted as a trading pair on cryptocurrency exchanges, a medium for cross-border transactions, and a key player in decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems.
<h2>USDC in action</h2>
A Safe-Haven Asset: USDC has proven itself as a safe-haven asset during times of crypto market turbulence. Traders often turn to USDC to park their funds securely and shield themselves from the price volatility of other digital assets.
Global Acceptance: USDC's regulatory compliance and stability have led to its widespread acceptance across the globe. Its adoption extends beyond the crypto space, making it a bridge between traditional finance and the decentralized world.
Evolution in DeFi: USDC's journey mirrors the evolution of decentralized finance. It has become a cornerstone in various DeFi protocols, serving as collateral, liquidity, and a stable trading pair for an array of decentralized applications.
USDC, with its rich history, transparent practices, and versatile utility, has carved a unique niche in the world of cryptocurrencies. As a stablecoin that goes beyond stability, it offers a bridge between traditional finance and the decentralized future. Whether utilized as a safe-haven asset, a trading pair, or a linchpin in the DeFi revolution, USDC's distinctive features underscore its resilience and relevance in the ever-changing landscape of digital finance. As we navigate the complexities of the crypto realm, understanding the journey and unique attributes of USDC unveils a narrative of stability, transparency, and the evolution of a digital dollar.
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Far beyond just a stablecoin, USDC has etched its mark by offering a transparent and reliable alternative in the ever-evolving landscape of decentralized finance. Join us on a journey through the history, utility, and distinctive features that make USDC a standout choice for traders and investors.

The Story of: Stablecoins with Joao Reginatto, VP Product at Circle

What is USDC

USDC, Explained

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<h2>What is USDT?</h2>
Tether (USDT) is a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, designed to maintain a 1:1 value ratio. Unlike many cryptocurrencies that experience price fluctuations, USDT's value is tethered to the stability of the US dollar, making it a reliable store of value and a preferred choice for risk-averse market participants.
<h2>Use cases of USDT</h2>
Price Stability: USDT's primary function is to provide stability in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Traders often turn to USDT during market downturns to safeguard their funds from the price fluctuations inherent in other cryptocurrencies.
Trading Pairs: USDT acts as a bridge between traditional fiat currencies and various cryptocurrencies. It is commonly used as a trading pair on cryptocurrency exchanges, allowing traders to easily move in and out of positions without the need to convert their assets back to fiat.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: USDT's widespread acceptance across various blockchain platforms makes it a versatile asset. Whether you're engaging with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols or participating in token sales, USDT's interoperability enhances its utility.
<h2>How USDT works</h2>
Similar to other stablecoins, USDT operates on a one-to-one pegging mechanism with the US dollar. For every USDT in circulation, there should be an equivalent amount of US dollars held in reserves. This commitment to transparency and backing is designed to instill confidence in users regarding the stability of the stablecoin.
<h2>USDT in action</h2>
Safe Haven Asset: During periods of market uncertainty, USDT serves as a safe haven for cryptocurrency investors. Traders can swiftly move their funds into USDT to mitigate exposure to market volatility.
Seamless Trading: USDT facilitates seamless trading experiences on various exchanges. Traders can easily navigate the crypto markets without the need for frequent conversions between digital assets and fiat currencies.
Global Acceptance: USDT's wide acceptance across cryptocurrency exchanges, decentralized platforms, and even in traditional financial systems has contributed to its global adoption. Its stability and ease of use make it an attractive option for a diverse range of users.
In the dynamic realm of cryptocurrencies, where price volatility is the norm, USDT stands out as a stabilizing force. As a stablecoin firmly anchored to the US dollar, USDT has become an essential tool for traders, investors, and enthusiasts alike. Its utility extends beyond mere price stability, encompassing seamless trading experiences, global acceptance, and a key role in the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned trader or a newcomer to the crypto space, understanding the significance of USDT unveils a gateway to a more secure and reliable digital asset experience.
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USDT is a stablecoin pegged to USD, widely used for crypto trading liquidity. Learn more about it with Blockchain.com.

What is USDT?

USDT, Explained

<h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">What is SUI?&nbsp;</h1>
Sui is a Layer-1 blockchain. That means it's a blockchain in its own right, not one built on top of another network like Ethereum. Sui was designed to make Web3 apps feel closer to the everyday apps people already use, by focusing on speed, scale, and lowering the technical barriers that make crypto hard to get started with.
SUI is the native token of the Sui network. It powers gas fees, helps secure the network through staking, and gives holders a vote on how the network evolves.
Sui was built by Mysten Labs, a team founded by former engineers of Meta's blockchain research group, who set out to apply what they learned to create a blockchain built for everyday usability.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 10pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">How Sui works</h3>
Most blockchains process transactions one at a time, in a strict order. Sui takes a different approach: it treats many transactions as independent objects that can be processed at the same time. That parallel processing is what gives Sui much of its speed and its ability to handle high volumes of activity without slowing down.
The network is built using a programming language called Move, originally developed for Meta's Diem project. Move was designed with digital assets in mind, which means smart contracts written in it are less prone to some of the common bugs found in older blockchain systems.
For users, the practical effect is simple: transactions on Sui confirm in under a second, and the network can handle a high volume of activity without becoming slow or expensive.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 10pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">Meet $SUI</h3>
$SUI is the token that makes the Sui network run. It has three main jobs:
Gas fees: Every transaction on Sui is paid for in $SUI. The token covers the network's cost to process and store the transaction.
Staking: Validators, who help operate the network, stake $SUI to participate. Regular users can also delegate their $SUI to a validator and share in the rewards.
Governance: $SUI holders can vote on proposals that shape the future of the network, from upgrades to ecosystem priorities.
<h3 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 10pt; margin-bottom: 6pt;">What makes Sui different</h3>
Sui has a few design choices that set it apart from other Layer-1 blockchains:
Object-centric model: Instead of tracking balances in a big table, Sui treats each asset (tokens, NFTs) as a distinct object with its own properties. This makes ownership more direct and gives builders more flexibility.
Parallel transaction processing: Independent transactions run at the same time, so the network doesn't slow down during high activity.
Move programming language: Move was created specifically for digital assets, with safety and clarity built into the language itself.
zkLogin and sponsored transactions: Sui includes features that let apps offer login through familiar accounts and cover gas fees for their users, lowering the friction for people new to Web3.
&nbsp;
$SUI is available to trade in your Blockchain Trading Account.

Learn what SUI is and how the Sui network works—a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain built for speed, scale, and everyday usability. Trade SUI on Blockchain.

What is SUI?

SUI, Explained

<h3>What is HYPE?</h3>
HYPE is the native token of Hyperliquid, a Layer-1 blockchain designed to support fully on-chain trading infrastructure. It plays a role in governance, staking, and ecosystem participation within the network.
<h3>The History of HYPE</h3>
Hyperliquid was developed to provide a high-throughput blockchain optimized for on-chain order book trading. HYPE was introduced as the network&rsquo;s native token to coordinate governance decisions, validator incentives, and ecosystem growth.
<h3>Key Features of HYPE</h3>
<ul>
<li>Governance participation: HYPE holders can participate in protocol proposals and ecosystem decisions.</li>
<li>Proof-of-stake security: Validators stake tokens to help secure and operate the network.</li>
<li>On-chain infrastructure: Built to support transparent trading and decentralized applications.</li>
<li>Ecosystem utility: Supports coordination and long-term sustainability of the network.</li>
</ul>

Discover HYPE, now live on Blockchain. Trade and explore the token powering the Hyperliquid ecosystem.

Hyperliquid (HYPE), Explained

HYPE, Explained

<h3>What is USD1?</h3>
USD1 is a digital asset designed to represent a stable value relative to the US dollar. Its primary purpose is to reduce price volatility commonly associated with cryptocurrencies, making it suitable for payments, trading, and on-chain financial activity.
<h3>The history of USD1</h3>
USD1 was created to support stable on-chain transactions and digital asset transfers with reduced price volatility.
<h3>Key features of USD1</h3>
<ul>
<li>Price Stability: Designed to track the value of the US dollar.</li>
<li>Digital Transactions: Used for transfers, trading, and on-chain activity.</li>
<li>Blockchain-Based: Operates on public blockchain infrastructure.</li>
<li>ERC-20 Standard: Built on Ethereum for compatibility and ease of use.</li>
</ul>

USD1 is a US dollar–pegged stablecoin designed for onchain transactions. Explore its purpose, utility, and how it’s used across crypto.

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