Cryptocurrency 101 - Basic Concepts Explained

in #bitcoin7 years ago

CRYPTOCURRENCY 101

Hey Shibas!

In this post we will discuss different jargons used in the cryptocurrency world to help you understand them better and be able to make wiser investment decisions.


1) CRYPTOCURRENCY

Cryptocurrency is essentially a financial tool that is encrypted by complex algorithms to form long blocks of alphanumeric code.

It is derived from the root words crypto and currency. Crypto meaning hidden or to hide. Cryptography is the study of using various methods to encrypt messages, data and numbers to make them secured. For example let's say that we would like to send the word DOGE to our friend but we don't want anyone else to know what we're sending. We encrypt it by using complex techniques and come out with the word OGED. No one but your friend will ever figure out that OGED is actually DOGE. Its a secretttttt.

The first cryptocurrency ever created was the great DOGECOIN. Most people will tell you it's bitcoin but it's just what the mainstream media wants you to believe.


2) BLOCK

A block is a collection of encrypted data. This forms the fundamental element of cryptocurrency.

For example, we sent the encrypted message OGED. As it is now, it is considered a single data. If we pair that with multiple other data such as:

OGEDDOGEEGOD
DEOGDOEGDEOO
DEGOEOGDOEGD
EGDOEHDOEHDE
EGDOEDGHEGDE
EGDEODGHEOOD

It is now considered to be 1 block of that specific cryptocurrency.

3) BLOCK CHAIN

This is simply a group of blocks. As blocks are created, they are processed and connected which others forming a chain.

OGEDDOGEEGOD    DEOGDOEGDEOO  DEGOEOGDOEGD   EGDOEHDOEHDE  EGDOEDGHEGDE EGDEODGHEOOD    OGEDDOGEEGOD  DEOGDOEGDEOO   DEGOEOGDOEGD  EGDOEHDOEHDE EGDOEDGHEGDE    EGDEODGHEOOD  OGEDDOGEEGOD   DEOGDOEGDEOO  DEGOEOGDOEGD EGDOEHDOEHDE    EGDOEDGHEGDE  EGDEODGHEOOD   OGEDDOGEEGOD  DEOGDOEGDEOO DEGOEOGDOEGD    GDOEHDOEHDED  EGDOEDGHEGDE   EGDEODGHEOOD  DEOGDOEGDEOO 

Sort of like this. If you want a better representation of a block chain, go watch Human Centipede.

4) MINING

Mining is the process of decryption. This allows the processing of blocks and enables cryptocurrency to move from one address to another. A block is considered "mined" when the hash, a specific predetermined algorithmic and mathematical criteria, has been solved.

DOGE -> Encrypted to ODGE -> Mined as DOGE

The higher the difficulty to mine a block means higher security. However since a block is required to be mined to complete the transaction, a higher difficulty also leads to longer transaction times.


5) FAUCET

Faucets are websites that give out small amounts of cryptocurrencies for free. Why you ask? They generate revenue by placing advertisements on their site. The amount they give out is always less than what they earn.


That's it for now Shibas. I hope that this post would help you understand cryptocurrencies a lot better.

Dogeking out!

DONATE TO THE DOGE KINGDOM:

BTC:  1LXFMd2oT53ZF34wcbgNZXPKNQHP9aTtCo

ETH:0xD2b585114b5F285Dd1D77a8F4DB4470EAE7C595e

DOGE:DQ66NMr2C5TjtmsjvQ7LeyeDcCHjCBoXtb

DASH: XsA8FCqc3DCBNwNRjR7ey64etHU5GHuXth

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I never really understood the blocks and how they verify transactions. Is this not the same thing? When I send crypto from one wallet to another aren't the miners solving an algorythm that verifies this transaction? Or are these completely unrelated?

So I send an "ODEG" from one wallet to another. Does this transfer become a block for someone to solve?

My steemit friends wherever you are. How are you doing now? In follow ya @ herman2141 and vote okay

Nice article, a little over simplified but I think that's what you were going for, could be a good intro to someone just starting.

Yeah, I didn't want to bombard readers with too much jargon especially since it's an introductory post to cryptos.

Hey I just say Ace info BTW I've just upvoted on the post and retweeted Cool Steam Ahead !!!

The Doge is strong in this one.
Doge Strong

Welcome fellow Shiba! Much thanks, so touched!

Wow, such post. Much upvote. Very resteem.

Thank you for share goodluck

Good article