A sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs alongside a main blockchain, allowing digital assets to be transferred between them. Sidechains can operate under different rules and features, making them useful for testing new ideas or handling specific tasks without affecting the main network. They are often used to improve scalability, security, or add new…
Optimistic Rollups are a technology designed to make blockchain networks, such as Ethereum, faster and cheaper. They work by processing many transactions off the main blockchain and then submitting a summary of these transactions back to the main chain. This helps reduce congestion and costs while keeping transactions secure and verifiable. Instead of checking every…
ZK-Rollups are a technology used to make blockchain transactions faster and cheaper by bundling many transactions together off the main blockchain. They use a cryptographic technique called zero-knowledge proofs to prove that all the bundled transactions are valid, without revealing their details. This allows more people to use the blockchain at once, without overloading the…
MEV, or Miner Extractable Value, refers to the extra profits that blockchain miners or validators can earn by choosing the order and inclusion of transactions in a block. This happens because some transactions are more valuable than others, often due to price changes or trading opportunities. By reordering, including, or excluding certain transactions, miners can…
A 51% attack is a situation where a single person or group gains control of more than half of the computing power on a blockchain network. With this majority, they can manipulate the system by reversing transactions or blocking new ones from being confirmed. This threatens the security and trustworthiness of the blockchain, as it…
Hash rate is a measure of how quickly a computer or network can perform cryptographic calculations, called hashes, each second. In cryptocurrency mining, a higher hash rate means more attempts to solve the mathematical puzzles needed to add new blocks to the blockchain. This metric is important because it reflects the overall processing power and…
EVM compatibility means that a blockchain can run software and smart contracts designed for the Ethereum Virtual Machine. This allows developers to use familiar tools and programming languages when building applications on different blockchains. Blockchains with EVM compatibility can interact with Ethereum-based apps and services more easily.
Nakamoto Consensus is the method used by Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies to agree on the transaction history of the network. It combines a process called proof-of-work, where computers solve complex puzzles, with rules that help the network decide which version of the blockchain is correct. This ensures that everyone on the network can trust the…
A validator node is a computer in a blockchain network that checks and approves transactions to ensure they follow the rules. Validator nodes help keep the network secure and trustworthy by confirming that each transaction is valid before it is added to the blockchain. People or organisations who run validator nodes are often rewarded for…
Crypto staking is a process where you lock up your cryptocurrency in a blockchain network to help support its operations, such as validating transactions. In return, you can earn rewards, typically in the form of additional coins. Staking is often available on blockchains that use a consensus method called Proof of Stake, which relies on…