Glossary

A

• Address: A unique identifier, often a string of letters and numbers, that represents a destination for digital assets or messages on a blockchain network.

B

• Blockchain: A distributed ledger technology that maintains a secure and immutable record of transactions across a network of computers.

• Block: A collection of transactions recorded on a blockchain.

• Block Explorer: A tool or website that allows individuals to search and analyze the blocks of a blockchain, transactions, addresses, and other key data.

C

• Consensus Mechanism: The process used to achieve agreement on a single data value among distributed processes or systems. Common mechanisms include Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS).

D

• DApp (Decentralized Application): An application that runs on a decentralized network, avoiding a single point of failure.

• Decentralization: The distribution of power away from a central authority in a network, often leading to increased security and resistance to censorship.

• Distributed Ledger: A ledger of transactions that is spread across multiple sites, countries, or institutions.

I

• IPFS (InterPlanetary File System): A protocol and peer-to-peer network for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system.

• Immutable: A property of blockchain where once data has been recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted.

N

• Node: A computer connected to the blockchain network, which supports the network through validation and relaying of transactions.

P

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P): A decentralized network architecture where tasks or workloads are divided among peers, all participants of the network.

• Private Key: A secure digital code known only to the owner that allows them to access their cryptocurrency or blockchain data.

• Public Key: A publicly known piece of data derived from a private key that can be used to identify a digital wallet on the blockchain.

S

• Smart Contract: Self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, which automatically execute when predetermined conditions are met.

• Solana: A high-performance blockchain supporting fast, secure, scalable decentralized apps and marketplaces.

• Staking: Participating in the consensus mechanism of a blockchain by holding and locking a certain amount of cryptocurrency to receive rewards.

T

• Token: A unit of value issued by a project, representing an asset or utility that resides on top of an existing blockchain.

• Transaction: A record of an exchange on the blockchain, which can involve cryptocurrency, data, or smart contracts.

W

• Wallet: A digital tool that allows users to store, send, and receive digital assets like cryptocurrencies.