Cardano's core elements are based on academic research led by the Blockchain Technology Laboratory at the University of Edinburgh. Once an idea has been proven and tested mathematically by computer scientists, it is implemented as code by software engineers, with the key parts written in Haskell. Changes to the blockchain are then verified on a testnet befor...
One of the nodes (or processes) run by the Cardano node. It connects to at least one other relay and a block-producing node to share information in the network. See Networking for details.
Real-world finance. An IOG initiative started in Africa in 2021 to provide people with fair opportunities in terms of finance and identity management. RealFi aims to deliver real finance for real people, creating value and opportunity for everyone across the globe.
The process of optimizing code in order to significantly improve block propagation times by reducing the ‘dead time’ between blocks. Thus improving the Cardano user experience.
Cardano nodes connect to each other directly, without relying on any intermediary. Direct communication means the network is faster and more efficient. Also, because no single point of potential failure exists, the network is more resilient. P2P also simplifies the process of running a relay node (one of the nodes run by stake pool operators, which does not ...
One of the computer servers or wallets making up the Cardano network. Each node holds a copy of the blockchain ledger and connects with other participants to help maintain network operations. A stake pool operator runs different types of nodes: a block-producing node and several relay nodes that are connected with each other. See Networking.
A unique token stored on a blockchain. NFTs can represent digital ownership rights of real-world assets such as a building or a painting or be an asset in and of themselves. Cardano supports NFTs as native tokens. This means that anyone can mint their own NFTs on Cardano without needing a smart contract, which avoids the error-prone complexity found in Ether...
Information about a digital file. In smart contracts, metadata sets out the conditions under which a deal should execute. In a non-fungible token, metadata can hold information about the ownership or intellectual rights, among other things.
How a node stores information about unconfirmed transactions. The mempool is essentially a holding area for transactions that haven't been included in a block yet.
The sub unit for ada. One ada = 1,000,000 lovelaces. The name comes from Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron who became a mathematician and programmer with her work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine project.
A cryptocurrency wallet that does not need to download the full history of blockchain records. Instead, the wallet links into a website where the full blockchain is accessed. This makes a light wallet faster and easier to use.
A way to raise funds for DApps or projects on Cardano. A project offers its users tokens usable within its DApp in exchange for these users delegating their stake to the project’s pool. This increases the pool’s margin and helps it gain more rewards. Users receive staking rewards and benefit by getting utility tokens. There is no risk of losing funds because...
A computing engine that functions as a decentralized computer with millions of projects that can be executed. It serves as the foundation for Ethereum's complete operating system. EVM is the component of Ethereum that handles smart contract execution and deployment.
A summary of Cardano’s development through five essential themes (Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho, and Voltaire). Each development theme is centered around a set of functionalities meant to significantly and steadily improve the Cardano blockchain. A research-driven methodology is prioritized to ensure security and correctness over the speed of development.
An open-source permissionless blockchain platform built on the Ouroboros proof-of-stake protocol. Cardano was launched in 2017 to address issues with earlier blockchains such as high energy use, limited interoperability, and scalability challenges. Cardano is being developed in five phases: Byron (completed 2019), Shelley (decentralization, 2020), Goguen (sm...