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In the world of cryptocurrency, a token is a digital asset that represents a unit of value or utility on a blockchain network. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which primarily serve as a medium of exchange, tokens can have various functions, including enabling access to decentralized applications, representing ownership in assets, or facilitating governance in decentralized autonomous organizations. Tokens are typically built on existing blockchain platforms like Ethereum, using smart contracts to define their behavior and distribution.
Tokens can be broadly categorized into utility tokens, which provide access to specific services or products within a blockchain ecosystem, and security tokens, which represent investment contracts and are subject to regulatory oversight. The creation and management of tokens involve processes like tokenization, where real-world assets are converted into digital tokens, enhancing liquidity and transparency. Understanding tokens is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of digital finance, as they play a key role in innovations such as decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and tokenized economies. |
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