Glossary

A blockchain address is a unique alphanumeric identifier used to send and receive transactions on a network, such as an Ethereum address that starts with 0x.

A method for securing computers in which the device does not connect to the internet or any other open networks.

An airdrop is a token distribution method where cryptocurrency is sent to wallet addresses, often as a marketing strategy in exchange for simple tasks.

Alpha is valuable information shared before it hits the general public on upcoming drops, news, updates, and more.

Any digital currency alternative to Bitcoin. Many altcoins are forks of Bitcoin with minor changes (e.g., Litecoin).

An interface between two binary program modules, often one program is a library and the other is being run by a user.

Augmented Reality is the tech used to create an overlay of digital information of visuals, sounds and haptics.

A cross-chain trading mechanism that enables users to exchange one cryptocurrency for another without the need for a centralized exchange.

In Proof of Stake, validators (other than the block proposer) attest or vote on blocks they agree with to form consensus and confirm transactions.

A profile pictures style NFT that can also represent a 3D version that can be used in blockchain gaming and the metaverse.

The Beacon Chain (always capitalized) is one element in the infrastructure being built to scale Ethereum, and is the foundation for a transition from a Proof of Work (PoW) consensus mechanism to Proof of Stake (PoS). For more information, see this guide.

A blockchain is a living, distributed ledger where verified transactions are securely locked into blocks and linked together, creating a transparent and trustworthy chain of data.

A tool that allows users to view and search the contents of the blockchain.

The number of blocks connected together in the blockchain. For example, Height 0 would be the very first block, which is also called the Genesis Block.

A block reward is the exciting incentive miners earn for securing the blockchain, combining newly minted coins and transaction fees for validating a block.

Block time is the heartbeat of a blockchain, measuring how quickly miners or validators confirm a block and keep the network running smoothly.

Blockchain is a secure data storage method where information is saved in linked blocks, validated by consensus to ensure transparency, trust, and decentralization.

A reward offered for exposing vulnerabilities and issues in computer code.

Bytecode is the machine-level language that powers Ethereum smart contracts, created by compiling Solidity so the EVM can execute them securely and efficiently.

The ability of a network to properly reach consensus at any time, assuming that no more than 1/3 of its actors are malicious.

A “hard fork” in the Ethereum network that occurred in October of 2017. For detailled information, see here; see also “hard fork”.

A centralized authority that correlates identities with a public/private key pair in a private key infrastructure.

Derived from “Commerce & Decentralized Finance”, Codefi, part of ConsenSys, is building a suite of commerce and financial applications.

A coin, in cryptocurrency, is a representation of digital asset value that is generated via its own independent blockchain.

A method of storing cryptocurrencies offline to protect them from hackers.

An offline wallet that is never connected to the internet. These wallets protect cryptocurrencies from getting hacked online.

A confirmation is the moment a blockchain transaction earns trust, as miners or validators verify it, making the transfer secure and increasingly irreversible.

Currency is a widely accepted form of money that represents value and trust, enabling people to exchange goods and settle debts in everyday life.

A decentralized application (dApp) is an open-source app that runs on a peer-to-peer blockchain network, empowering users with transparency, security, and freedom from central control.

The transfer of authority and responsibility from a centralized organization, government, or party to a distributed network.

A directed graph structure (e.g., flow chart) that has no recursive routes (i.e., traversing the graph will never go twice through the same route or branch).

A type of cyber-attack in which the perpetrator continuously overwhelms the system with requests in order to prevent service of legitimate requests.

A distributed ledger is a shared database spread across multiple locations, building trust and transparency by securely recording data that can be permissioned or open to all.

The Ethereum Name Service is a protocol to assign human-readable and easy-to-remember addresses to Ethereum addresses and assets, homologous to the traditional internet’s DNS.

A group of Ethereum core developers, startups, and large companies working together to commercialize and use Ethereum for different business applications.

In the context of cryptography, ‘entropy’ refers to ‘randomness’; generally, the more random something is (the more entropy it has), the more secure it is.

EOS is a high-performance Blockchain 3.0 platform designed for fast, scalable transactions, using DPoS consensus and WASM smart contracts to power real-world dApps.

ERC-721 is the Ethereum token standard that enables the creation of unique, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), giving digital assets their own identity and value.

Ether (ETH) is Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, powering the network by incentivizing participants and fueling transactions across the blockchain ecosystem.

EIPs describe standards for the Ethereum platform, including core protocol specifications, client APIs, and contract standards. They are, precisely, proposals for modifications to the network and the way it functions.

Genesis blocks can be configurable to create a fork of a chain for purposes such as pre-loading accounts with tokens for a test network or specifying different block parameters.

A protocol that enables payments between different ledgers and networks.

An oracle network provides real-world data to blockchain smart contracts.

A crypto payment gateway enables businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments securely.

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Satoshi Nakamoto is the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, whose vision ignited the global movement toward decentralized money and financial freedom.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK-SNARKs) are groundbreaking cryptographic tools that ensure privacy and trust on blockchain networks while enabling secure, scalable, and decentralized applications.