Why this matters
What makes on-chain markets different: tokens, wallets, DEX pools and settlement. This study guide accompanies the video "What is Cryptocurrency and How Does it Work?" by Explains 101 and connects it to the Cryptocurrency fundamentals course on MAPLUStrade.
What the video covers
- Introduction
- Section 1: What is a Cryptocurrency? (Definition and History)
- Section 2: How Does a Cryptocurrency Work? (Blockchain and Mining)
- Section 3: Cryptocurrency as an Investment
- Section 4: Another Terms in Cryptocurrency
- Section 5: Pros and Cons of Cryptocurrency (Advantages and Disadvantages)
- Conclusion and Advice
Key terms
- mint address: The unique on-chain address that identifies a token; the ticker is not the identity.
- supply: The total number of token units that exist, which with price gives market capitalisation.
- settlement: The moment a trade is written to the chain and balances actually change.
- finality: The point after which a confirmed transaction cannot be reversed.
- amm: An automated market maker: a pool whose curve sets the price instead of orders.
Check your understanding
- What is a token?: Supply, decimals, mint addresses and why the ticker is not the identity.
- How on-chain trades settle: Transactions, signatures, slots and finality.
Apply it on MAPLUStrade
Every swap on MAPLUStrade is non-custodial: the quote comes from Jupiter, you sign in your own wallet, and the fee is shown before you confirm. Check the token's mint authority and liquidity locks on its risk panel first.
Educational content only. Nothing here is financial advice; every trade is your own decision and risk.