Beginner Crypto Lessons

This learning hub is designed to guide you step-by-step through the foundational concepts of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Unlike a flat list of articles, these lessons are ordered so you can build understanding progressively. Each lesson explains one key concept in plain language, without hype, speculation, or technical jargon.

You can read the lessons in sequence to follow the logical curriculum, or explore individual topics when you have specific questions.

What you’ll learn here

These lessons cover:

• What cryptocurrency is and how it works
• How blockchain and distributed ledgers record and verify transactions
• Key network designs and consensus mechanisms
• Wallets, private keys, and custody models
• How exchanges and transfers work
• Common risks and scams to avoid
• How to research crypto projects using public tools
• Emerging asset categories such as NFTs and DeFi

How to use these lessons

Start with the first lesson and work your way down the list. Each lesson concludes with a “Next lesson” link that takes you to the appropriate follow-up topic.

If you already have some knowledge and want to focus on a particular area, you can explore individual lessons as needed.

Once you’ve completed the core topics, you can move on to wallet comparisons and storage options with greater confidence.

  • What is Cryptocurrency?

    An introduction to what cryptocurrency is, how it differs from traditional money, and why it exists.

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  • What is a Blockchain?

    A simple explanation of blockchains and how transactions are recorded and verified.

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  • Distributed Ledger

    A system where transaction records are shared across multiple participants.

    Read lesson 
  • Proof of Work/Stake

    A method used to validate transactions through computational effort.

    Read lesson 
  • Mining

    The process used by some networks to validate transactions and issue new coins.

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  • Bitcoin

    The first cryptocurrency, designed as a decentralized digital payment system.

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  • Ethereum

    A blockchain platform designed to support programmable applications.

    Read lesson 
  • XRP & the XRP Ledger

    A payment-focused distributed ledger and its native digital asset.

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  • Smart Contracts

    Programs that automatically execute actions when conditions are met.

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  • Coin vs Token

    The difference between native blockchain assets and issued tokens.

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  • Tokenomics

    How a crypto asset’s supply and incentives are structured.

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  • Types of Cryptocurrency

    Different categories of crypto assets and their purposes.

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  • Wallets: Hot vs Cold

    Learn how different types of wallets store private keys and when each type is appropriate.

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  • Private Keys & Seed Phrases

    Understand what private keys and recovery phrases are and why protecting them is critical.

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  • Not Your Keys, Not Your Coins

    What custody means and why key ownership determines control.

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  • Exchanges - DEX vs. CEX

    Understanding the difference between decentralized and centralized exchanges.

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  • Moving Crypto Safely

    How to transfer crypto between wallets and exchanges with fewer mistakes.

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  • Common Crypto Scams

    An overview of common scams including phishing, fake websites, and impersonation.

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  • How to Research Crypto Projects

    How to use tools like CoinGecko and CoinMarketCap to evaluate crypto projects.

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  • What are NFTs?

    An introduction to non-fungible tokens, what they are, and common risks.

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  • Lending & Borrowing (DeFi)

    How decentralized applications allow lending and borrowing without intermediaries.

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Next step

Once you understand the basics, you can explore wallet comparisons and storage options with more confidence.

View recommended cold wallets →