# Crypto: Back to Basics

By [limes.eth](https://paragraph.com/@limes) · 2021-12-30

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It has been my experience that any master of a given subject started with a strong understanding of the fundamentals instead of a flimsy understanding of complicated topics. That is why I will be writing to answer the questions I most commonly get from people just starting out. I am always open to feedback and corrections, feel free to DM me on Twitter @EnlightenedLime

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that utilizes a blockchain for record keeping.

What is Blockchain?

A Blockchain is a ledger with three distinct features.

1.  It’s Decentralized. Records are replicated to multiple validators of the blockchain.
    
2.  They have Peer-to-Peer transactions. No party can prevent you from using the blockchain as it’s decentralized to multiple parties.
    
3.  It uses cryptography to record ownership. Every user of a blockchain has a public key (Like a username) and a private key (Like a password). Using a private key to interact with the blockchain leaves a “signature” of your public key. So your public key can be derived from your private key but not vice versa. Assets are recorded on the ledger according to the blockchains public keys.

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*Originally published on [limes.eth](https://paragraph.com/@limes/crypto-back-to-basics)*