Blockchain & Cryptocurrency: What You Need to Know

When discussing Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, a distributed ledger technology that records transactions in linked blocks and the digital assets that run on it. Also known as crypto, it enables trust‑less interactions without a central authority.

If you’re trying to grasp Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, think of it as a public notebook where anyone can write, but nobody can erase. This system encompasses decentralized finance, tokenized ownership, and programmable money. It requires cryptographic keys to prove identity and consensus rules to keep the chain honest. Because the ledger is immutable, every transaction becomes a permanent data point that anyone can verify, which is why fraud rates are dramatically lower than in traditional banking.

Key Concepts to Explore

One of the most active networks is Ethereum, an open‑source platform that runs smart contracts and its own cryptocurrency, ETH. Ethereum enables developers to create decentralized applications that run exactly as programmed, without downtime or censorship. The network’s validators process transactions, but they also have the ability to reorder or include extra operations for profit. This is where MEV, Maximal Extractable Value – the extra earnings a validator can capture by changing transaction order comes into play. MEV influences how quickly your trade reaches the market and can even raise fees for ordinary users.

Understanding MEV is crucial because it introduces new attack vectors such as front‑running and sandwich attacks. When a validator spots a high‑value trade, they might slip their own transaction before it, siphoning profit away from the original user. To protect against these risks, developers use techniques like private transaction relays, bundle auctions, and time‑locked contracts. These tools require a solid grasp of both the underlying blockchain mechanics and the economic incentives that drive validator behavior.

Below you’ll find articles that break down these ideas into bite‑size pieces. Whether you’re a beginner curious about how crypto works, a trader worried about hidden fees, or a developer building DeFi products, the collection offers practical steps, real‑world examples, and clear explanations to help you navigate the fast‑moving world of blockchain and cryptocurrency.