How Crypto
Actually Works
Stop watching explainer videos. Play with hashes, sign messages, and race transactions through a simulated mempool.
What is a Blockchain?
A blockchain is a chain of blocks where each block's hash depends on the previous block's hash. Change any data and the chain breaks.
DATA
PREVIOUS HASH
BLOCK HASH
How It Works
Data + Hash
Each block stores data and a unique hash derived from its contents.
Chain Link
Every block stores the previous block's hash, forming an unbreakable chain.
Tamper Proof
Change any data and all subsequent hashes break. Mining fixes it with proof of work.
Public & Private Keys
Private keys sign messages. Public keys let others verify those signatures without revealing your secret.
Your Message
Key Pair
1. Key Generation
A private key is a random number. The public key is derived from it using elliptic curve math.
2. Signing
Your private key creates a unique signature for your message. This proves you authored it.
3. Verification
Anyone with your public key can verify the signature, proving it came from you.
How Transactions Work
Transactions wait in the mempool until validators pick them. Higher gas fees mean faster confirmation.
Send a Transaction
Gas Fee
Mempool
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Confirmed (Block #1)
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