[block]: A fundamental unit in a blockchain, containing a set of transactions and a reference to the previous block, forming a chain.
[blockchain]: A decentralized, distributed, and immutable ledger that records transactions across many computers. It is the underlying technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
[Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT)]: The ability of a distributed system to continue operating properly even if some of its components fail or act maliciously.
[cryptography]: The art of writing or solving codes. Blockchain uses cryptography to secure transactions and control the creation of new units of cryptocurrency.
[consensus mechanism]: A fault-tolerant mechanism that is used in computer and blockchain systems to achieve the necessary agreement on a single state of the network among distributed processes or multi-agent systems, such as cryptocurrencies.
[DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)]: An organization run through rules encoded as computer programs called smart contracts. Decisions are made via proposals that the group votes on.
[DApp (Decentralized Application)]: Applications that run on a decentralized network, rather than a single server. They are often open-source and use blockchain technology.
[decentralization]: The distribution of power away from a central authority. In blockchain, this means no single entity controls the network.
[DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology)]: A digital system for recording the transactions of assets in which the transactions and their details are recorded in multiple places at the same time. Blockchain is a type of DLT.
[double-spending]: The risk that a digital currency can be spent more than once. Blockchains prevent this through cryptographic verification of transactions.
[encryption]: The process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access.
[Ether]: The native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain.
[Ethereum]: An open-source, decentralized blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and DApps.
[fork]: A split in a blockchain that occurs when a network diverges into two potential paths forward, often after a change in protocol.
[gas]: A unit that measures the amount of computational effort required to execute certain operations on the Ethereum network.
[genesis block]: The first block of a blockchain.
[hash]: A unique, fixed-size fingerprint of data. Hashes are used in blockchain to ensure data integrity.
[immutability]: The inability to alter or delete data once it has been recorded on a blockchain. This is a key feature ensuring data integrity.
[interoperability]: The ability of different blockchain networks to communicate and transact with each other.
[Layer 1 (L1)]: The base blockchain layer, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
[Layer 2 (L2)]: Solutions built on top of a Layer 1 blockchain to improve scalability and transaction speed.
[NFT (Non-Fungible Token)]: A unique digital asset that represents ownership of a real-world item or digital content. NFTs are stored on a blockchain.
[node]: A computer connected to the blockchain network that maintains a copy of the blockchain and participates in transaction validation.
[oracle]: A service that provides external data to blockchain smart contracts.
[private key]: A secret code that allows users to access and manage their cryptocurrency. It should be kept secure.
[Proof of Stake (PoS)]: A consensus mechanism where validators are chosen to create new blocks based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to “stake” as collateral.
[Proof of Work (PoW)]: A consensus mechanism where miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions and create new blocks.
[public key]: A cryptographic key that allows users to receive cryptocurrency. It can be shared without compromising security.
[smart contract]: A self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. It automatically executes when the conditions are met.
[Solidity]: The most popular programming language for writing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain.
[token]: A digital asset or utility that is issued on a blockchain. It can represent various things, such as a currency, a share in a company, or a piece of content.
[transaction]: A transfer of value on a blockchain, recorded in a block.
[Web3]: The next generation of the internet, characterized by decentralization, blockchain technologies, and user empowerment.