What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that enables peer-to-peer value transfer without banks. A global network of nodes validates and records transactions on a public ledger called the blockchain.
- Fixed supply of 21 million; new coins via mining (halving cycles).
- Security from proof-of-work and economic incentives.
- Open, borderless, censorship-resistant settlement.
What is a crypto wallet?
A wallet stores private keys that control on-chain addresses. Your balance lives on the blockchain; the wallet simply signs transactions to move funds.
Private & public keys
Private keys sign; public addresses receive. Never share your private key or seed phrase.
Custodial vs. non-custodial
Custodial: a provider holds keys. Non-custodial: you hold the keys (more control, more responsibility).
Kinds of wallets
Hardware, mobile, desktop, browser extensions, paper—each with different trade-offs.
Choosing a wallet
Consider security model, supported assets, usability, recovery, and ecosystem integrations.
Wallets generate or import keys, derive addresses, and sign transactions locally. The blockchain verifies signatures and updates balances.
Your seed phrase deterministically derives private keys; private keys produce signatures; public keys/addresses let others send you funds.
Hardware isolation, passcodes/biometrics, strong encryption, phishing protections, and recovery options (seed backups, multisig).
Custodial is convenient and recoverable but has platform risk; non-custodial maximizes control but you manage backups & security.
What is a DEX?
A decentralized exchange lets users trade directly from their wallets. Many DEXs use Automated Market Makers (AMMs) where liquidity pools set prices via algorithms.
- Swaps execute via smart contracts; no central order book.
- LPs deposit token pairs and earn a share of fees.
- Risks include impermanent loss, smart-contract bugs, and MEV.
Buying Guides
Quick primers for getting started safely.
Buy your first Bitcoin
Choose a payment method, enable 2FA, and start small.
Set up a hardware wallet
Initialize device, write down seed, verify address, test recovery.
Use a DEX safely
Bridge small amounts first, verify contracts, mind slippage and gas.
Stake responsibly
Understand lockups/yield sources; use reputable validators; diversify.