Glossary
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0x
- 1. Ethereum addresses begin with the "0x" prefix in order to specify that the characters should be interpreted as a hexadecimal number by smart contracts and other programs.
- 2. A decentralized exchange protocol (https://www.0xprotocol.org/)
- See also: #ZRX
A
Address
- In the context of Cryptocurrency, an address is an alphanumeric string of characters representing the public half of a public/private key pair belonging to a specific user. Much like an email address, this identifier can be shared publicly, embedded in links, and presented as a QR code to other users in order to accept funds or assets on the respective blockchain.
- A single user may have multiple addresses and their corresponding private keys across multiple blockchains and wallets. Cryptocurrency wallets in the form of software, browser extensions, apps, or hardware devices allow for the management of and access to addresses under a user’s control.
- Services like the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) map human-friendly domain names to Ethereum addresses for a fee, allowing them to be more easily shared and remembered.
- See also: #ENS, #Public Address, #Public Key, #Wallet Address
Air Gap
- A security measure implemented to isolate a device or system physically, not connecting to other devices or the internet, adding another layer of protection between the sensitive data stored therein and potential hackers or malware.
- See also: #Cold Wallet, #Hardware Wallet
Airdrop
- A distribution method employed by projects or creators to send coins, tokens, or NFTs directly to users’s wallets. This distribution is often a reward for performing certain actions or meeting certain criteria, like completing simple tasks on social media, participating in community discussions or activities, or holding specific digital items during a certain timeframe.
Allowlist
- A pre-approved list of accounts, users, or wallets, usually compiled in preparation for the release of an anticipated project. Limiting participation to a select few might be done to reward early adopters, or as an attempt to avoid bottlenecks created by an overwhelming influx of users trying to complete blockchain transactions simultaneously, which can cause technical issues and drive up transaction costs significantly, resulting in a negative experience for many.
Alpha
- slang
- Most likely adopted from the practice of designating the initial phase of software testing where the product is only available to internal users, in the context of web3, ‘’’alpha’’’ refers to information regarding crypto products or organizations that has not yet been divulged publicly. Informally, it can refer to any matter where there might be information not yet widely known: ‘’”What’s the alpha with your new neighbor?”’’
Altcoin
- Originally used in reference to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, this shortened version of “alternative coins” is often now more subjectively used. Many agree that Ethereum has graduated from this category with its widespread use and significant market cap.
- See also: #Fork
Alts
- Short for Altcoins, or in the context of social media, alias account profiles.
- See also: #Sock Puppet