Learn About Cryptocurrency Platforms
Exchanges, wallets, and DeFi — how they work, when to use them, and how to stay safe.
- CEX vs DEX: CEX = convenience & liquidity; DEX = self-custody & on-chain transparency.
- Wallet choice matters: Custodial = simpler; self-custody = control + responsibility.
- Security first: 2FA, hardware wallets, phishing awareness, and seed phrase hygiene.
Centralized & Decentralized Exchanges
Centralized exchanges (CEX): onboarding is simple, deposits/withdrawals are fast, and order books are deep. You trade inside the exchange’s system and rely on its custody.
Decentralized exchanges (DEX): connect a wallet and trade via smart contracts. You keep your keys, but you’ll pay gas fees and need to understand slippage and approvals.
Wallets: Custodial vs Self-Custody
- Custodial: Email/password recovery, integrated fiat ramps, simpler UX. Trust the provider.
- Self-custody: You control keys and recovery phrase. Use a hardware wallet for larger balances.
DeFi Basics: Lending, Staking, Liquidity
DeFi protocols let you lend/borrow, stake to help secure networks, or provide liquidity to earn fees. Yields fluctuate; smart-contract and market risks apply.
Fees & Execution Tips
- Compare maker/taker fees on CEX and gas + swap costs on DEX.
- Batch actions when possible; avoid peak network congestion.
- Use limit orders on CEX and reasonable slippage on DEX.
Security Checklist
- Enable 2FA (authenticator app), whitelist withdrawal addresses.
- Store seed phrases offline; never share them.
- Verify URLs, revoke old token approvals, and beware impersonation scams.
This guide is informational only — not financial advice. Always do your own research.
FAQs
What platform should beginners start with?
Many begin on a reputable CEX for simplicity, then move part of funds to a self-custody wallet as they learn.
How do I pick a DeFi protocol?
Check audits, TVL trends, team reputation, and transparency. Start small and diversify.
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