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Polymorphism
Polymorphism is a concept in programming and type theory where a function, variable, or data type can operate on different data types while maintaining a consistent interface. Essentially, it allows one piece of code to be used for different types of inputs, increasing code flexibility and reusability. In simple terms, polymorphism allows functions or types…
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Escrows
In the context of blockchain and smart contracts, an escrow is a financial arrangement where a third party temporarily holds and manages the funds involved in a transaction between two parties until certain conditions are met. Escrows on Cardano are implemented using Plutus smart contracts, ensuring trustless and secure transactions without the need for a…
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Type System
A type system is a set of rules that assigns types to various parts of a computer program, such as variables, expressions, functions, or modules. These types define what kind of values the program components can take and what operations can be performed on them. Type systems help catch errors during compilation or runtime by…
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Embedded Domain Specific Languages (eDSL)
Embedded Domain-Specific Languages (eDSLs) are specialized programming languages designed to solve problems in a specific domain. They are embedded within a host general-purpose language, meaning that the domain-specific syntax and functionality are written as part of the main language. An eDSL leverages the existing tools, libraries, and infrastructure of the host language but adds domain-specific…
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Native Asset
A native asset on Cardano is a type of token that is created and managed directly on the Cardano blockchain, alongside the ADA cryptocurrency, without the need for smart contracts. This contrasts with how assets are typically handled on other blockchains like Ethereum, where smart contracts (e.g., ERC-20 for fungible tokens and ERC-721 for NFTs)…
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Untyped Plutus Core (UPLC)
Untyped Plutus Core (UPLC) is a low-level, intermediate representation of smart contracts on the Cardano blockchain. It is the core language used by the Plutus Platform, which enables the creation and execution of smart contracts on Cardano. Untyped Plutus Core is designed to be a minimal, well-defined language that serves as a bridge between high-level…
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Assembly Languages
Assembly languages are low-level programming languages that are closely tied to a computer’s hardware architecture. They are designed to be human-readable representations of machine code, which the computer’s CPU understands. Each assembly language is specific to a particular type of processor or computer architecture, and it provides a way for programmers to write instructions that…
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BIP-39 Wordlist
The BIP-39 Wordlist is a standardized list of 2048 English words used to generate mnemonic phrases (also known as seed phrases or recovery phrases) in cryptocurrency wallets. These mnemonic phrases allow users to back up and restore their wallets securely by providing an easily readable sequence of words instead of a complex cryptographic key. The…
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Derivations
In the Cardano ecosystem, derivations refer to the process of generating cryptographic keys (public and private keys) and addresses from a single master seed or key using Hierarchical Deterministic (HD) wallet principles. These derivations are based on established standards that allow for the structured and secure generation of key pairs and addresses, ensuring that users…
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HD (Hierarchical Deterministic) Wallets
HD (Hierarchical Deterministic) wallets are a type of cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to generate an entire tree of cryptographic key pairs (public and private keys) from a single seed. This seed is typically represented as a 12-24 word mnemonic phrase and provides the user with the ability to restore all associated addresses and keys…
