Crypto Semantics
In cryptocurrency sometimes terms get used loosely or one term gets used in place of another. Let’s discuss some crypto semantics.
Cryptocurrency Basics
Cryptocurrency is a general name referring to all encrypted decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin.
Cryptocurrency uses cryptography to create coins and secure transactions. Typically cryptocurrencies are open source with pubic, but encrypted, ledgers of all transactions based on blockchain technology.
There are a number of cryptocurrencies traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, and the growing popularity of cryptocurrency means that despite volatile prices, market caps and values are growing every year.
Popular cryptocurrencies include the original Bitcoin, Ethereum’s Ether, and Litecoin.
Cryptocurrency is legal and taxable in the US, but it isn’t legal tender (you can’t pay your taxes in Bitcoin, it is considered investment property). With that said, due to its infancy and history so far, cryptocurrencies should be invested in and used with their historical volatility in mind.
Click on any of the pages below to learn more about cryptocurrency.
TIP: If you are new to cryptocurrency, check out our guide to cryptocurrency for beginners.
Security Tokens in Cryptocurrency Explained
In cryptocurrency, the term Security Token can either be referring to 1. a cryptocurrency token registered as a security, 2. a digital representation of a traditional security like a stock (a tokenized security), or 3. a cryptographic code used in computer security.
Transaction Replay and Replay Protection With Hard Forks Explained
When a coin does a hard fork, two identical blockchains exist until changes to one of the chains is made. To avoid transaction replays (transactions made on one chain being broadcast on the other), at least one chain must implement replay protection (developers of one chain must change the format of transactions to make them unique).
Using QR Codes to Send Crypto
A QR code is a simple, fast, and secure way to share an address when transferring cryptocurrency between two devices.
Bitcoin Halving Explained
In Bitcoin, halving is when block rewards for mining are cut in half. Halving happens at regular intervals based on the Bitcoin protocol.
Digital Security Offering (DSOs) and Security Token Offerings (STOs)
Digital Security Offerings (DSOs) and Security Token Offerings (STOs) are terms that describe “offerings” of digital securities and tokenized securities respectively.
“Ethereum 2.0” (ETH2) Explained
Ethereum 2.0 (ETH) is a term used to describe a series of potential updates to Ethereum to make it more scalable, more secure, and more sustainable.
What is Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)?
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), AKA blockchain and other similar technology, is a way to describe the technology behind distributed databases secured by cryptography and consensus.
Blockstream’s Bitcoin Liquid Network Explained
Liquid, a Bitcoin sidechain by Blockstream, is a solution for large players like exchanges to quickly tokenize and transfer assets between each other. This helps provide “liquidity” to exchanges/brokers/trading desks/etc.
What are Confirmations?
In cryptocurrency, confirmations are a measure of how many blocks have passed since a transaction was added to a coin’s blockchain.