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Crypto Basics

Token

Definition

A digital asset created on an existing blockchain platform. Unlike coins which have their own blockchain, tokens are built using smart contracts on networks like Ethereum.

Why It Matters

Tokens represent a vast ecosystem of digital assets including utility tokens, governance tokens, security tokens, and NFTs, each serving different purposes.

Example

Uniswap's UNI token is an ERC-20 token built on Ethereum that gives holders governance voting rights.

Related Terms

ERC-20
Smart Contract
NFT
Tokenomics