For many, the world of cryptocurrency resembles a language people haven’t spoken before. Every investor, new or experienced, should be familiar with the main terms in the crypto world to become successful in their investment choices. As more people use cryptocurrencies, it is not only useful to know this terminology, it is also required.
Proper understanding of the terms is useful when exploring projects, buying or selling crypto and other ways of trading different digital assets. If you want to be successful when buying crypto, being knowledgeable about cryptocurrencies will help you form better strategies and make sure you avoid taking risks you don’t intend.
Basic Currency Definitions
Every investor should learn about Bitcoin, altcoin and fiat as the main terms. Bitcoin defined the cryptocurrency sector by being the first to start it. All the cryptocurrencies that were made after Bitcoin are known as altcoins and each one serves a different function and has unique technology. On the contrary, fiat is money that a government or organization officially approves such as US dollars or euros. Knowing the difference between the two terms is a good start before learning more about cryptocurrency.
Another important term is wallet. A crypto wallet is an electronic tool to hold your cryptocurrency. Wallets can be mobile, hardware or found online through a web browser. Often, to send or get funds when using a Bitcoin ATM, you scan your wallet’s QR code. Keeping your cryptocurrencies safe requires you to use a secure wallet.
Trading And Investing Terms
While trading crypto, you will regularly come across exchange, market order and limit order. Exchanges allow people to trade their cryptocurrencies for others. Orders placed on these platforms fall into different categories. Market orders are completed right away at the current market rate and a limit order lets you choose the price of your buy or sell order. Understanding these ideas is necessary when focusing on trades through a platform or an automated Bitcoin ATM.
Another term investors will frequently encounter is liquidity. The term liquidity describes the ease with which a cryptocurrency is exchanged for another without changing its price. When liquidity is high, transactions usually happen faster and prices become more stable. Using this term becomes important when making several trades or doing business at high volumes.
Blockchain-Related Concepts
Blockchain is a foundational term in the crypto space. Most cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, use this technology. A blockchain records every transaction that has happened in a specific cryptocurrency in a decentralized way. Blockchain data is made up of blocks and all the blocks are linked together, one after the other, by time.
Mining is another relevant word, mainly when talking about Bitcoin. Mining means creating and attaching new coins to the blockchain. It further requires checking each transaction to make sure it is valid. Although most participants don’t mine, it’s necessary to appreciate the significance of mining in maintaining how the network operates and protecting it.
Security And Technical Terms
Securing your wallet depends a lot on a private key and a public key. Privateness is what allows you to control your cryptocurrency and a public key is what you show others to receive payments into your account. If someone gets hold of your private key, they’re able to steal your crypto and this is why sharing your private key is not recommended.
Two-factor authentication, also called 2FA, means having an extra step before logging in. It could ask you to receive a text message or open a code scanner on your phone. No matter if you are logging into an exchange or looking to visit a Bitcoin ATM, 2FA helps keep your account secure from unauthorized users.
Popular Phrases And Acronyms
People who talk about cryptocurrencies on the net often use HODL and FOMO as terms. When you HODL, you keep your crypto instead of selling it during ups and downs of the market. FOMO describes the unease some investors have when they notice a coin’s price suddenly climbing. These particular phrases allow you to spot typical trends in the market.
People often use DYOR which stands for doing your own research. It shows that checking the details of the project is necessary before putting in money. Since there are numerous coins to invest in and platforms to use now, every investor should always be informed, no matter if they buy cryptos online or at a Bitcoin ATM.
Conclusion
Familiarizing with cryptocurrency terms is not only for technical needs. Experts help people see things differently and become more involved in the industry. All activities involving crypto start by getting to know wallets, exchange platforms, blockchain and private keys.
Because more people are using digital currencies like Bitcoin for day-to-day purchases such as with Bitcoin ATMs, it is now important to know how to talk about crypto. As long as they are well informed and regularly do research, investors can invest in this area safely and confidently.
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