QSBitcoin Vocabulary
Understanding the key terms used in the QSBitcoin project and related fields.
- Address
- A unique identifier, derived from a public key, used to send and receive QSBitcoin. Similar to an email address or bank account number, but for cryptocurrency.
- Blockchain
- A distributed, immutable public ledger where transactions are recorded in chronological blocks. Each block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, forming a chain.
- Cryptography
- The science of secure communication techniques that allow only the sender and intended recipient of a message to view its contents. In cryptocurrencies, it's used for securing transactions, controlling supply, and verifying ownership.
- Decentralized
- A system or network that operates without a central authority or single point of control. Control is distributed among participants.
- Digital Signature
- A cryptographic mechanism used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital message or document. In QSBitcoin, it proves ownership of the private key associated with funds being spent, without revealing the key itself.
- ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm)
- The digital signature algorithm used by Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies. It relies on the difficulty of the Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem and is considered vulnerable to attacks by large-scale quantum computers.
- Faucet
- A system (usually a website or bot) that dispenses small amounts of cryptocurrency for free, typically used on test networks for experimentation and development purposes.
- Hash Function
- A mathematical function that takes an input (of any size) and produces a fixed-size output string (the "hash"). It's designed to be one-way (hard to reverse) and collision-resistant (hard to find two inputs that produce the same output). Used extensively in blockchains for linking blocks and verifying data integrity.
- Lattice-based Cryptography
- A type of post-quantum cryptography based on mathematical problems involving lattices (geometric structures). Considered a promising candidate for quantum resistance.
- Mining
- The process by which new QSBitcoin transactions are verified and added to the blockchain. Miners use computing power to solve complex problems; the winner gets to add the next block and receives a reward.
- NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- A US agency that develops standards and guidelines for various technologies, including cryptography. NIST is currently running a process to standardize post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.
- Node
- A computer participating in the QSBitcoin peer-to-peer network. Nodes store a copy of the blockchain (or parts of it), validate transactions and blocks, and relay information to other nodes.
- Open Source
- Software whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it (usually under specific licenses).
- Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
- A network architecture where participants (peers) interact directly with each other without needing a central server or intermediary.
- Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
- Cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks by both classical computers and anticipated future quantum computers. QSBitcoin utilizes PQC for its core security.
- Private Key
- A secret piece of data (like a password) that proves ownership of QSBitcoin associated with a specific address. It is used to create digital signatures to authorize transactions. Must be kept absolutely secret.
- Proof-of-Work (PoW)
- A consensus mechanism used in blockchain networks (like Bitcoin and potentially QSBitcoin) where miners compete to solve a computationally intensive puzzle to validate transactions and create new blocks. This work secures the network.
- Public Key
- A piece of data derived from a private key that can be shared publicly. It is used to generate addresses for receiving funds and to verify digital signatures created by the corresponding private key.
- Quantum Computer
- A type of computer that utilizes principles of quantum mechanics (like superposition and entanglement) to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Poses a threat to current cryptographic algorithms like ECDSA.
- Quantum Resistance / Quantum Safety
- The property of a cryptographic algorithm or system being secure against attacks mounted by quantum computers.
- Recovery Phrase / Seed Phrase
- A list of words (typically 12 or 24) that can be used to regenerate a wallet's private keys if the wallet software or device is lost or damaged. Must be backed up securely and kept secret.
- Shor's Algorithm
- A quantum algorithm known for its ability to efficiently factor large numbers and solve the discrete logarithm problem (including the elliptic curve variant). This makes it capable of breaking many currently used public-key cryptosystems, like RSA and ECDSA, given a sufficiently powerful quantum computer.
- Testnet
- An alternative blockchain network used for testing and experimentation. Coins on a testnet have no real-world value.
- Transaction
- A record of the transfer of QSBitcoin from one address to another, broadcast to the network and included in the blockchain.
- Wallet
- Software or hardware used to store private keys, manage addresses, and interact with the QSBitcoin blockchain to send and receive funds.