Smart contracts are programs stored on a blockchain that automatically execute predefined actions when certain conditions are met. They are designed to facilitate, verify, and enforce the negotiation or performance of a contract without the need for intermediaries. Smart contracts are widely used in various blockchain applications, including decentralized finance (DeFi), supply chain management, gaming, and more.
The metaverse is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual reality. It includes virtual worlds, augmented reality, and the internet, providing users with immersive experiences that are interconnected across various platforms.
Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to minimize price volatility. They achieve this by pegging their value to a stable asset, such as a fiat currency (e.g., USD), a commodity (e.g., gold), or a basket of assets. The primary goal of stablecoins is to combine the benefits of cryptocurrencies—such as fast, secure, and borderless transactions—with the price stability of traditional financial assets.
Layer 2 solutions refer to protocols or systems that are built on top of an existing blockchain (Layer 1) to enhance its performance. These solutions aim to increase the scalability, speed, and efficiency of the blockchain without altering the base layer's fundamental properties. By offloading some of the transaction processing and data storage to Layer 2, these solutions help reduce congestion and lower transaction fees on the main blockchain.
Staking is an alternative consensus mechanism to mining, used in Proof of Stake (PoS) and its variants. In staking, validators are chosen to create new blocks and validate transactions based on the number of coins they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral.
A cryptocurrency wallet is a digital tool that allows users to store, manage, and transact with their digital assets. It does not physically store the cryptocurrency itself but holds the private keys needed to access the funds on the blockchain. There are various types of crypto wallets, each with its own features and security measures.
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. They automatically enforce and execute the terms of a contract when predefined conditions are met. These contracts run on blockchain networks, primarily Ethereum, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability.
NFTs are unique digital assets that represent ownership of a specific item or piece of content, verified and stored on a blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, NFTs are non-fungible, meaning each one is unique and cannot be replaced with another identical item.
Decentralized Finance is an ecosystem of financial applications built on blockchain networks, primarily Ethereum, that operate without centralized intermediaries such as banks or brokerages. DeFi platforms offer a wide range of financial services, including lending, borrowing, trading, and earning interest, all governed by smart contracts rather than traditional institutions.
Ethereum is an open-source, decentralized blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy smart contracts and dApps. Unlike Bitcoin, which primarily serves as a digital currency, Ethereum's blockchain is designed to be a versatile platform for various decentralized applications.
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates without a central authority or single administrator. It can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer Bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries. Transactions are verified by network nodes through cryptography and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain.
TSMC is a semiconductor powerhouse, producing over 12,300 products for 535 clients worldwide in 2021. The company's influence extends across major tech giants, including Apple, Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, NVIDIA, and more. As of Jan. 30, 2023, TSMC boasts a market capitalization of $429.45 billion, reflecting its monumental role in the tech ecosystem.