Crypto Basics

A beginner-friendly guide to cryptocurrency, blockchains, tokens, stablecoins, exchanges, and common risks.

What crypto is

Cryptocurrency is digital value recorded on a blockchain: a shared ledger maintained by a network of computers. Bitcoin focuses on scarce digital money, while other networks support tokens, apps, payments, and financial services.

Coins, tokens, and stablecoins

Coins usually belong to their own blockchain. Tokens are issued on top of an existing chain. Stablecoins aim to track a traditional currency such as the US dollar, but their safety depends on reserves, regulation, and issuer transparency.

Where people use it

Crypto is used for payments, trading, savings products, decentralized finance, gaming assets, identity experiments, and cross-border transfers. Adoption varies widely by country and use case.

Core risks

Prices can move sharply. Smart contracts can fail. Exchanges can be hacked or mismanaged. Scams are common. Never treat yield, celebrity endorsements, or social media hype as proof of safety.