Blockchain Basics
A Blockchain Test Network Uses a Different Kind of Value
Understand what blockchain test networks are for, why test tokens differ from real funds and what a successful test does not prove.
TOKENS · NETWORKS · CONTEXT
Journal
Wallet Literacy
A Wallet Connection Is Different From a Signature Request
Distinguish connecting an account from signing a message or approving an on-chain action, and review each wallet request on its own terms.
Blockchain Basics
A Transaction Simulation Is a Preview, Not a Promise
Read a wallet’s simulated balance changes as an estimate, check permissions separately, and avoid treating a preview as proof of safety.
Wallet Security
A Hardware Wallet Still Needs You to Check the Receiving Address
A hardware wallet provides a separate display for checking transaction details, but you still need to verify the address, network and recipient.
Blockchain Mechanics
A Confirmation Count Is Not the Same as Finality on Every Blockchain
Distinguish transaction inclusion, confirmations, network finality and an exchange’s crediting policy before interpreting a blockchain status display.
Blockchain Basics
An Ethereum Address Checksum Helps Catch Errors, Not Prove Ownership
Understand what mixed-case Ethereum address checks can detect, and why passing a checksum does not establish who controls an address.
Blockchain Basics
Token Decimals Change How a Raw Balance Is Displayed
A raw token balance needs the correct decimal scale before it becomes a readable amount. Verify token metadata instead of assuming every asset uses 18 decimals.
Ledger Notes
An NFT Can Be on a Blockchain While Its Image Lives Elsewhere
Separate a token’s blockchain record from its metadata and media location, and ask what keeps the referenced image available over time.
Wallet basics
Who Controls the Keys? Compare Custody Before the App Design
Compare custodial services and self-custody by control, recovery and access responsibilities rather than assuming similar wallet screens work alike.