Address

Can also be called "Wallet Address". An Address is a virtual location where the cryptocurrency can be sent. It is a unique alphanumeric character string that defines the transactions made on a blockchain network.

Airdrop

Represents a marketing process with the purpose of promoting a new virtual currency. The process involves sending tokens or coins to various Wallet Addresses.

Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of rules designed to perform a specific task, regardless if it is a simple or complex process.

All or None Order (AON)

A type of order different from e.g. a market order. This order is made on a financial exchange to buy or sell assets for a certain price, and must be either completely filled or not at all.

All-Time High (ATH)

Represents the highest price reached by a digital currency or equity on a specific exchange.

Allocation

Represents the distribution of tokens or equity, no matter if they are earned, purchased, etc.

Altcoin

A generic name given to all other cryptocurrencies that are not Bitcoin (the first cryptocurrency).

Anti Money Laundering (AML)

A process through which laws and regulations prevent the illegal making or moving of funds, assets and/or money.

API

Stands for Application Programming Interface and represents a set of functions and protocols which build and integrate application software. An API defines various calls or requests that can be made, how to make them, the data formats that should be used, etc.

API Gateway

An API Gateway is an API connection between a client and a specific backend service/services. It receives API calls, processes them by gathering the services needed to fulfill them, and returns the appropriate result (positive or negative).

API Key

An API key is a unique identifier passed to an API in order to identify the specific software that is making the call. API keys are used to track how one API is being used. A user requires an API key to make the API call in the first place.

API Limiting/ Rate Limiting

API limiting, also known as "Rate Limiting", or sometimes "Application Rate Limiting", is a process which limits the requests sent from an API, with the purpose of preventing the API from being overloaded. It is a main security measure against system errors, performance issues and DoS attacks.

Arbitrage

A process where a user takes advantage of an asset's varying prices on different markets, by purchasing and selling that same asset over and over again for a specific period of time.

ASIC

Stands for Application-specific integrated circuit. This is an integrated circuit chip dedicated to specifically reaching maximum performance for a particular use, rather than being generically used. Used for better mining of cryptocurrencies than using a traditional GPU.

ASIC-resistant

A cryptocurrency that is mining-resistant towards dedicated (ASIC) machines.

Asset Management

Represents the business method of managing assets - directly or on the behalf of a client.

Asynchronous

Processes that don’t occur simultaneously and happen independently of the basic program flow.

Atomic Swap

Smart contracts that ensure users exchange their cryptocurrencies for other without the need of using a centralized exchange.

Attack Surface

An attack on a software environment where a user can access and extract data from the system unauthorized, due to poor system security.

Authentication

Authentication is the process of a system recognizing and proving a user's identity, in order for them to use that specific software/service/API.

Authorization

Defines the function of specifying system access rights and privileges not to users, but rather resources, such as services, computer programs, data and application features.