Blockchain Glossary

Welcome to our blockchain glossary! Below you will find definitions of common terms used in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. If you're looking for more in-depth information, be sure to check out our blockchain tutorials.

Terms

Blockchain: A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks and the consensus of the network.
Cryptocurrency: A digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. A cryptocurrency is difficult to counterfeit because of its security features.
Smart Contract: A self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement directly written into lines of code.
Miner: A person or entity that uses computer power to solve complex mathematical problems as part of the process of mining new cryptocurrency.
ICO: Initial Coin Offering – a way for startups to raise capital by selling a percentage of their cryptocurrency in exchange for money.
Fork: A split in the blockchain that creates two separate blockchains. This can happen due to a software update or a disagreement in the network.

Useful Resources