Start Here · Beginner lesson · about 3 minutes
Bitcoin, blockchain, and coins
A blockchain is a shared record of payments. New payments are added in batches, and each batch links to the one before it, like a chain. Bitcoin is a network that keeps one of these records. Its coin is also called bitcoin, with a small b. A token is different. It's made on top of someone else's network.
The short answer
Bitcoin is one specific network and its cryptocurrency. A blockchain is a type of shared record. A coin, in this lesson, is the native unit of a network (bitcoin, ether), distinct from a token on someone else’s chain.
In plain English
A blockchain is a kind of shared record. Bitcoin is one version of that idea, with its own rules, history, and its own money called bitcoin or BTC. Ethereum is a different network with different rules and its own money, called ether or ETH.
A token is created on someone else’s chain instead of having its own. Bitcoin and ether are native units; many other assets are tokens. A wallet can show several of them at once, but that does not make them the same. Sending on the wrong network can make funds hard—or impossible—to get back.
What can go wrong
Read this before you act.
A familiar name, logo, or ticker symbol (like BTC) is not proof that a coin is authentic. Check the network and the receiving service before you send. If you do not understand an extra address they want you to use, wait.
Check your understanding
A few questions. Not a test.
Pick an answer to see why it's right or wrong. There's no score to unlock.
Sources and corrections
This lesson is a starting point. The two sites below are good general places to learn more. Please tell us if something needs fixing.