What's DEX

Centralized vs. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Cryptocurrency exchanges can be categorized into two main types:

  1. Centralized Exchanges (CEX)

  2. Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Currently, CEX dominates the market, but the growth of DEX cannot be overlooked.


What is a DEX?

A Decentralized Exchange (DEX) is a blockchain-based, non-custodial platform that enables peer-to-peer trading of digital assets without requiring registration, login, or KYC (Know Your Customer).

Key Features of DEX:

  • Does not store user funds or personal data.

  • Functions as a matching engine to connect buyers and sellers.

  • Transactions occur directly between participants (peer-to-peer).

  • Users are responsible for managing their own private keys and mnemonic phrases.


Types of DEX

  1. Order-Based DEX:

    • Uses a bidding model to match buyers and sellers.

  2. Liquidity Pool-Based DEX:

    • Utilizes Automated Market Makers (AMMs) to facilitate trading.

    • Example: Uniswap, which allows users to provide liquidity and earn fees from trading activity.


DEX in the DeFi Ecosystem

DEX plays a vital role in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, offering a decentralized, transparent, and open trading experience.

Advantages of DEX:

  • Fully decentralized and transparent.

  • No intermediaries or centralized control.

Challenges of DEX:

  • Lower efficiency compared to CEX.

  • Smaller user base and liquidity.


Last updated