Crypto Basics

All you need to know about the basics of cryptocurrency in one place. Learn how Bitcoin, blockchain and altcoins work, how to actually use them, and why it matters to you.
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Crypto Basics
What Is a Hard Fork?
There have been several pretty significant hard forks in the history of crypto and blockchain — how exactly do they work?
By Werner Vermaak
2yr ago
5m
Easy
Crypto Basics
Nine Things to Know Before Investing in Cryptocurrency
Digital currencies can be an exciting investment opportunity, but new investors risk losing their capital if they are lured by scammers or back a new cryptocurrency without a track record.
By Decentralized Dog
2yr ago
3m
Moderate
Crypto Basics
What Is Bitcoin Dominance?
Bitcoin dominance has always been calculated at the very top of CoinMarketCap's homepage — but what does that number really mean?
By Decentralized Dog
2yr ago
5m
Easy
Crypto Basics
​What Can You Buy With Bitcoin?
Bitcoin payments are increasingly being accepted by some big brands — especially in online stores.
By Decentralized Dog
2yr ago
5m
Easy
Crypto Basics
The Origin of Bitcoin: How a Global Meltdown Turned Into Financial Freedom
Since Bitcoin launched in 2008, it needed developers to keep running — but who exactly are they?
By Vinamrata Chaturvedi
2yr ago
5m
Hard
Crypto Basics
What Are Japanese Candlestick Patterns?
Many of you might not know that the full name of those candlesticks you use for trading is actually Japanese candlesticks — and that they were invented four centuries ago.
By Werner Vermaak
2yr ago
6m
Easy
Crypto Basics
How Long Does a Bitcoin Transaction Take?
On the Bitcoin network, the average confirmation time for a BTC payment is about 10 minutes. However, transaction times can vary wildly — and here, we're going to explain why.
By Decentralized Dog
2yr ago
5m
Easy
Crypto Basics
What Is Tokenomics?
Tokenomics is the topic of understanding the supply and demand characteristics of cryptocurrencies.
By Stuart Langridge
2yr ago
5m
Easy
Crypto Basics
Is Cryptocurrency Anonymous?
Understanding cryptocurrency anonymity requires some nuance, since there are now thousands of coins with different properties.
By Stuart Langridge
2yr ago
5m
Easy
Crypto Basics
What Is a Non-Fungible Token (NFT)?
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have tons of use cases: gaming, art, even yield farming. What exactly are they?
By Werner Vermaak
2yr ago
10m
Easy
Crypto Basics
Top 10 Celebrities Who Own Bitcoin
Do you know which celebrities own Bitcoin? We do! Are you surprised by any on our list?
By Werner Vermaak
2yr ago
6m
Easy
Crypto Basics
How to Buy Cryptocurrency in India
CoinMarketCap takes at look at what you need to have in order to buy cryptocurrency in India.
By Kevin Dwyer
2yr ago
6m
Moderate
Crypto Basics
Ethereum’s London Hard Fork: What Is It… and Why Is It Controversial?
The imminent upgrade will introduce sweeping changes to the way that miners are compensated for their work — and some of them aren’t happy.
By CoinMarketCap
2yr ago
5m
Moderate
Crypto Basics
What Is a Crypto Faucet?
Crypto faucets seem like a really easy way to earn crypto — for free...but what are the benefits, but what should you be aware of?
By Werner Vermaak
2yr ago
8m
Easy
Crypto Basics
Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges in India 
CoinMarketCap does a breakdown of some of the best cryptocurrency exchanges in India [Updated on Sept. 8, 2021]
By Kevin Dwyer
2yr ago
6m
Easy
Crypto Basics
Who Is Satoshi Nakamoto?
There's a lot we don't know about Satoshi Nakamoto — but does unmasking the creator of Bitcoin even matter?
By Decentralized Dog
2yr ago
9m
Easy
Crypto Basics
Best Apps for Cryptocurrency in India
CoinMarketCap takes a look at some of the top cryptocurrency apps in India.
By Kevin Dwyer
2yr ago
6m
Easy
Crypto Basics
The Battle for Cryptocurrency in India
Despite being a center of tech innovation, India’s hostile attitude towards digital assets could cause it to miss a “trillion-dollar opportunity.”
By Leo Jakobson
2yr ago
6m