Mining is the process by which new cryptocurrency transactions are verified and added to a blockchain through computational work. This explains how proof of work actually functions, where binding constraints live, and what's changing in the mining landscape.

A smart contract is code that executes automatically when predefined conditions are met, without requiring a trusted intermediary. This post explains how they work, where constraints live, and what signals matter.

Decentralization means distributing control across many participants rather than concentrating it in one entity. This post explains the mechanism, where constraints actually live, and what would break the promise.

A public address is where others send you cryptocurrency. It's derived from your private key but can't be used to reverse-engineer it. Here's how the system works.

A private key is a randomly generated secret number that proves ownership of cryptocurrency. It's the only way to authorize transactions—lose it, and you've lost access permanently.

A crypto wallet doesn't store your cryptocurrency—it stores the private keys that control it. Understanding this distinction matters for security and control.

A crypto wallet doesn't hold your coins — it holds the keys that prove your right to move them. Understanding this distinction is the foundation for everything else in self-custody.

Ethereum is a programmable blockchain that executes smart contracts. This post explains the mechanism, how it differs from Bitcoin, and what constraints shape its development.

Ethereum is a blockchain platform that executes programmable smart contracts, enabling applications that run exactly as coded without intermediaries. This post explains the mechanism, constraints, and what makes Ethereum different from Bitcoin.

Cryptocurrency is digital money that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralized networks rather than through banks. This post explains the mechanism—digital signatures, consensus, and blockchain—and what distinguishes crypto from traditional digital payments.

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates without banks or governments. This post explains the mechanism, what makes it different, and what would change your understanding.

A blockchain is a distributed ledger that records transactions across many computers so that no single party controls the data. This post explains the mechanism, its constraints, and what would change your understanding.