Crypto Basics

What is a Hard Fork and How Does it Work?

Discover what a hard fork is and how it works in blockchain technology. Learn about its impact and implementation in this comprehensive guide
S. Vishwa
5 Minutes
MIN

In the world of blockchain technology, a hard fork refers to a significant and radical change in a network's protocol. This change results in the creating of two separate branches, one following the previous protocol and the other following the new version. 

Unlike a soft fork, which is a minor upgrade to the protocol, a hard fork requires all nodes or users to upgrade to the latest version of the protocol software.

Understanding Blockchain and Forks

Before delving into hard forks, it's important to understand the basics of blockchain technology. A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions and other events in a series of blocks. 

Each block contains data and a set of instructions, known as protocols, which dictate how the blockchain network functions. Because a blockchain is decentralized, any changes to its protocol need to be voted on and approved by its community of users. 

When developers propose major changes or disagreements arise regarding the development of a blockchain, a hard fork may be initiated to create a new and separate blockchain.

How Does a Hard Fork Work?

When a hard fork occurs, the new version of the blockchain is no longer compatible with older versions. This creates a permanent divergence from the previous version of the blockchain. 

The new rules and protocols implemented through the hard fork create a fork in the blockchain, with one path following the upgraded blockchain and the other path continuing along the old one.

Miners, who play a crucial role in verifying transactions and maintaining the blockchain, must choose which blockchain to continue verifying. Holders of tokens in the original blockchain will also be granted tokens in the new fork. 

However, it's important to note that the old version of the blockchain may continue to exist even after the fork, potentially with security or performance flaws that the hard fork aimed to address.

Reasons for Hard Forks

Developers may implement a hard fork for various reasons. One common motivation is to correct significant security risks found in older versions of the software. 

Hard forks can also introduce new functionality or reverse transactions, as seen in the case of the Ethereum blockchain's hard fork to address the hack on the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO).

In 2016, the Ethereum community unanimously voted in favor of a hard fork to roll back transactions that resulted in the theft of millions of dollars worth of digital currency. 

The hard fork allowed DAO token holders to retrieve their funds through a newly created smart contract. While the hard fork did not undo the network's transaction history, it enabled the recovery of stolen funds and provided failsafe protection for the organization.

Examples of Hard Forks

Hard forks have occurred in various blockchain networks, not just in Bitcoin. Bitcoin itself has witnessed several notable hard forks. 

In 2014, Bitcoin XT emerged as a hard fork to increase the number of transactions per second that Bitcoin could handle. However, the project lost interest and is no longer in use.

Another significant hard fork in the Bitcoin ecosystem took place in 2017, resulting in the creation of Bitcoin Cash. 

The hard fork aimed to increase Bitcoin's block size to improve transaction capacity. Subsequently, in 2018, Bitcoin Cash experienced another hard fork, leading to the emergence of Bitcoin Cash ABC and Bitcoin Cash SV.

Ethereum, another prominent cryptocurrency, also underwent a hard fork in response to the DAO hack mentioned earlier. The fork resulted in the creation of Ethereum Classic, which maintained the original blockchain and the updated Ethereum network.

Pros and Cons of Hard Forks

Hard forks offer several benefits to blockchain networks. They can address security issues, enhance the performance of a blockchain, and introduce new features or functionalities. 

Hard forks also provide an opportunity for participants in a blockchain community to pursue different visions for their projects and potentially resolve disagreements.

However, hard forks also come with disadvantages. They can confuse investors when a new but similar cryptocurrency is created alongside the original. 

Furthermore, hard forks may expose blockchain networks to vulnerabilities, such as 51% attacks or replay attacks. Additionally, the existence of the old version of the blockchain after a hard fork may lead to security or performance flaws that the fork aimed to fix.

Hard Forks vs. Soft Forks

While hard forks create two separate blockchains, soft forks result in a single valid blockchain. In a soft fork, the blockchain's existing code is updated, but the old version remains compatible with the new one. 

This means that not all nodes or users need to upgrade to the latest version of the protocol software. The decision to implement a hard fork or a soft fork depends on a blockchain network's specific goals and requirements. 

Hard forks are often favored when significant changes are necessary, even if a soft fork could potentially achieve the same outcome.

Conclusion

Hard forks play a significant role in the evolution of blockchain technology. They allow for radical changes to a network's protocol, creating new blockchains and potential improvements in security, performance, and functionality. 

However, hard forks also come with risks and challenges, such as confusion among investors and possibly exposing blockchain networks to vulnerabilities.

As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, it's essential for investors and stakeholders to stay informed about proposed changes and forks in their cryptocurrency holdings. 

Understanding the implications of hard forks and their potential impact on the value of crypto assets is crucial for navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

Remember, investing in cryptocurrency should be cautiously approached, especially for newcomers who are still learning how blockchain works. Stay updated, do thorough research, and seek professional advice before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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How to Find Hidden Crypto Gems with 100x Potential (Step-by-Step Guide) | Token Metrics Moonshots

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In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, discovering hidden gems—often called moonshots—can lead to life-changing returns. But the real challenge lies in separating hype from actual potential. In this guide, we’ll break down what crypto moonshots are, how they work, and how you can use Token Metrics to reliably find tokens with 100x upside.

What Are Moonshot Tokens?

The term moonshot comes from the idea of a crypto token “going to the moon,” or rapidly increasing in price. These are usually low-cap tokens with a compelling narrative, innovative technology, or early-stage market presence that give them high upside potential.

Key Characteristics of Moonshot Tokens:

  • Market Cap Below $50M – Smaller market caps have more room to grow.
  • High Risk / High Reward – Volatility is expected, but the upside can be enormous.
  • Early Entry – Timing matters. Getting in early before mainstream awareness is key.
  • Backed by Fundamentals – Even moonshots need solid technology, use cases, or backing.

How Do Crypto Moonshots Work?

Moonshots rely on the combination of innovation, market timing, and community adoption. They often start unnoticed, then experience exponential growth once crypto traders and influencers catch on.

The Lifecycle of a Typical Moonshot:

  1. Discovery Phase – A few savvy investors or analysts spot the token.
  2. Accumulation Phase – Early adopters buy in quietly, keeping prices low.
  3. Breakout Phase – News spreads, and trading volume spikes.
  4. Parabolic Run – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicks in, driving price up rapidly.
  5. Profit-Taking or Collapse – Smart traders exit with gains; latecomers may be left holding the bag.

To avoid the trap of hype-driven tokens, it's essential to use data and analytics, not emotions. That’s where Token Metrics becomes your secret weapon.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Monshots?

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics platform that helps you discover high-potential tokens with real-time data, grades, and backtested indicators. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics to uncover 100x opportunities:

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Start from the main dashboard of the Token Metrics app.

  • Navigate to the “Ratings” tab.
  • This page ranks thousands of tokens using AI-based Trader Grade and Investor Grade, factoring in technical indicators, on-chain metrics, sentiment, and more.

Pro Tip: Look for tokens with rising Trader Grades and strong historical performance.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Once you’re in the Ratings section:

  • Click the “Moonshots” tab at the top of the page.
  • This will filter the list down to tokens the AI model flags as having moonshot potential—i.e., tokens likely to perform exceptionally well in the short term.

These are automatically generated by Token Metrics AI models using over 80+ data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • On-chain activity
  • Sentiment analysis
  • Volume spikes
  • Market structure

Step 3: Review Key Moonshot Metrics

Each Moonshot token is presented with a rich dataset to help you make informed decisions:

  • Trader Grade (with % change in past 24h or 7d)
  • 24H Trading Volume – Gauge market interest
  • Market Cap – Lower caps typically offer more upside
  • Date of Entry – See when the token was first flagged
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot – Know exactly how past picks performed

Bonus Feature: Toggle to “Past Moonshots” to review previous winners and assess the track record of the platform.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token in the Moonshots list to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you can:

  • Analyze real-time charts
  • Review fundamentals, like project utility, tokenomics, roadmap, and team
  • See top holders and whale activity
  • Examine price volatility and volume patterns

This is where research and intuition meet. Use the available data to decide if this token fits your risk tolerance and investment thesis.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Token Metrics makes the process seamless:

  • Just click the “Buy” button on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens a swap widget powered by integrated DEX aggregators.
  • Choose your wallet, approve the transaction, and you're done—no need to leave the platform.

This integration eliminates the hassle of going to third-party platforms to execute trades, saving time and reducing risk.

Why Use Token Metrics for Finding Moonshots?

Token Metrics isn’t just about flashy picks—it’s about using data science and AI to gain an edge.

Key Benefits:

  • AI-Driven Insights – No emotional bias; just pure data analysis.
  • Transparency – View past moonshot performance, live ROI, and update dates.
  • Speed to Trade – Instant buy options right from the dashboard.
  • Performance Tracking – Evaluate your results based on entry/exit signals.

Real Examples: Token Metrics in Action

  • Euler Finance was flagged as a Moonshot before its 30% rally—validated by a bullish AI signal.
  • Morpho gained traction after appearing in the Moonshots list, later becoming a top TVL gainer.
  • Hyperliquid made the list before capturing major perp trading market share.

By combining early AI alerts with your own due diligence, you can position yourself ahead of the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Finding the next 100x crypto gem doesn’t have to be a guessing game. While the crypto space remains volatile, tools like Token Metrics help stack the odds in your favor. From real-time ratings to instant buy options and performance metrics, you have everything you need to make smart, data-driven bets on the future of crypto.

So if you're serious about turning small investments into big wins, start using Token Metrics to uncover moonshots before they go mainstream.

Try Token Metrics today and unlock the power of AI-driven crypto investing.

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Introduction:
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What Is DeFi 3.0?

Decentralized finance (DeFi) has experienced two major innovation cycles:

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Now in DeFi 3.0, the focus has shifted to permissionless lending, advanced tokenomics, and integrated liquidity solutions.

The Core Drivers of DeFi 3.0

  1. Decentralization of Lending Access:
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  2. Integrated Liquidity and Lending:
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  3. Improved Capital Efficiency:
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Leading Platforms in the DeFi 3.0 Movement

1. Euler Finance
Euler has grown to over $1B in total value locked (TVL) and is rolling out a key innovation: EulerSwap. This module lets protocols provide liquidity for both swaps and borrowing in a single pool.
Key features:

  • Dual-purpose liquidity (swap + lending)
  • “Just-in-time” borrowing mechanisms
  • Smart contract automation for optimized usage

2. Morpho
Morpho is another high-growth player. With support from Coinbase and over $4B in TVL, it's becoming a serious challenger to AAVE. Its permissionless lending architecture and novel liquidity provisioning model stand out.

3. Hyperliquid
While not a lender per se, Hyperliquid’s approach to perpetuals (perps) trading is noteworthy. It has captured 11% of Binance’s perp market share, signaling DeFi’s growing ability to challenge centralized platforms.

Why Permissionless Lending Matters

The benefits of removing centralized control over lending markets include:

  • Faster innovation and product launches
  • Greater financial inclusion for emerging projects
  • Risk-based pricing by the market, not centralized governance
  • Enhanced decentralization and resilience

However, challenges remain. The risk of undercollateralized positions and protocol exploits still exist. That’s why security—such as smart contract audits and on-chain firewalls—is critical.

The Role of Token Metrics in Tracking DeFi 3.0

During the webinar, the Token Metrics team highlighted how their platform tracks the performance of DeFi 3.0 projects using metrics like:

  • TVL growth rate
  • Trader grade and investor grade
  • Bullish or bearish signals based on 80+ data points

For example, Euler’s bullish signal flipped just before a 30% price rise, demonstrating the value of data-driven insight in volatile markets.

What's Next for DeFi?

As the cycle evolves, we expect:

  • A proliferation of permissionless lending protocols across L1s and L2s
  • Better capital efficiency tools
  • Greater interoperability across EVM chains and Solana
  • On-chain integrations with tokenized real-world assets

Final Thoughts

DeFi 3.0 is not just hype—it represents a fundamental shift in how decentralized finance operates. Permissionless lending, composable liquidity, and institutional-grade risk controls are turning DeFi into a more mature, scalable ecosystem.

As always, perform your own due diligence and keep an eye on platform fundamentals, smart contract risk, and ecosystem adoption.

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Top 5 AI Tokens in 2025: Revolutionizing Crypto with Artificial Intelligence

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Artificial intelligence has transformed every corner of the crypto industry—from trading and analytics to sentiment tracking and smart contract automation. In 2025, AI-powered crypto platforms have surged in popularity, delivering real-time insights, automation, and efficiency that were previously unimaginable.

In this article, we highlight the top 5 AI tokens in 2025: Token Metrics ($TMAI), Kaito AI ($KAITO), Cookie.fun ($COOKIE), Arkham Intelligence ($ARKM), and ChainGPT ($CGPT)—and show why Token Metrics stands out as the gold standard.

1. Token Metrics ($TMAI): The Smartest AI Trading Platform in Crypto

Token Metrics is leading the AI revolution in crypto investing. Known for its AI-powered analytics, signals, and portfolio tools, the platform is a go-to resource for retail and institutional traders alike.

Key Features:

  • AI Buy/Sell Signals: Trained on historical price, sentiment, and on-chain data, Token Metrics generates bullish and bearish calls across thousands of crypto assets.
  • Trader & Investor Grades: Each token receives real-time AI-based scores (0–100), offering a clear snapshot of short-term momentum and long-term strength.
  • AI Chatbot: A conversational interface that lets users ask natural-language queries about market trends, token grades, and price forecasts.
  • Trading Bot: Users can automate execution based on Token Metrics’ signals, either on centralized exchanges or via self-custody strategies.
  • MCP Server Integration: Connects with ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor IDE, and more—enabling developers and analysts to pull Token Metrics data across multiple tools.

$TMAI Token Utility:

  • Unlock premium analytics and signal tiers
  • Staking rewards and fee discounts
  • Governance and roadmap input
  • Developer API access and automation credits

Why $TMAI Is the Best AI Crypto Token:

Unlike other platforms focused on niche utilities, Token Metrics delivers a full-stack AI solution. Its analytics engine is transparent, quantifiable, and tested—used by hedge funds, crypto pros, and AI researchers. The $TMAI token ties everything together with utility, access, and community incentives. In a market full of hype, Token Metrics offers data-driven, AI-validated decisions—a must-have edge for serious traders.

2. Kaito AI ($KAITO): Web3’s Information Aggregator

Kaito AI is a specialized platform tackling one of crypto’s biggest problems: information overload. It uses a custom Large Language Model (LLM) to aggregate and analyze content from X (Twitter), news sites, blogs, and community forums.

Core Features:

  • Mindshare Tracking: Monitors which tokens dominate conversation and sentiment across platforms
  • Sentiment Analysis: Real-time mood scores derived from influencers, headlines, and user engagement
  • Yaps Program: Users earn points for sharing useful content, which may convert into $KAITO tokens

$KAITO Token Utility:

  • Platform access and insights
  • Governance voting
  • Community curation rewards

Strengths:

  • Early identification of narrative shifts
  • Deep focus on information flow and crowd psychology

Limitations:

While Kaito is excellent at detecting narrative momentum, it lacks predictive analytics or execution tools, making it more of a research layer than an active trading solution. Still, it’s an important piece for sentiment-aware investors.

3. Cookie.fun ($COOKIE): Gamified Trading Meets AI

Cookie.fun is a Gen-Z-targeted platform that fuses AI-powered trading insights with gamified investing experiences.

Notable Features:

  • Telegram AI Assistant: Provides user-specific trading signals and alerts
  • Gamified Leaderboards: Trade to climb ranks and win $COOKIE tokens
  • Social Trading Features: Users can mimic top traders or form groups to pool strategies

$COOKIE Token Utility:

  • In-app rewards and incentives
  • Staking for power-ups
  • Marketplace for NFT avatars and in-game tools

Who It’s For:

Cookie.fun’s lighthearted UX and AI-enhanced suggestions appeal to newer, casual investors. It doesn’t match Token Metrics’ analytical depth but makes crypto accessible and fun—an important factor for onboarding the next wave of retail users.

4. Arkham Intelligence ($ARKM): AI for On-Chain Forensics

Arkham Intelligence offers one of the most advanced AI-powered blockchain intelligence platforms, designed to uncover hidden relationships and wallet identities.

Core Capabilities:

  • ULTRA AI Engine: Links pseudonymous wallets to real-world identities
  • Intel Exchange: A decentralized data marketplace for buying/selling wallet intelligence
  • Dashboards & Alerts: Monitor whale wallets, smart money flows, and suspicious activity

$ARKM Token Utility:

  • Access to the Intel Exchange
  • Bounty rewards
  • Platform governance

Ideal Use Cases:

  • Whales tracking and forensic analysis
  • Scam detection and compliance reporting
  • Portfolio flow transparency

Trade-Offs:

Arkham is laser-focused on on-chain visibility, not market timing or trade execution. For users who want to know who’s moving money—and why—Arkham is unmatched. But it doesn’t replace a complete AI trading platform like Token Metrics.

5. ChainGPT ($CGPT): AI Tools for Smart Contract Automation

ChainGPT offers a suite of AI-powered tools for developers, traders, and researchers in the crypto space.

Highlight Features:

  • AI Chat Assistant: Similar to ChatGPT but trained on blockchain topics
  • Smart Contract Generator: Auto-generates and audits Solidity code
  • Trading Assistant: Analyzes charts and on-chain data to produce trade suggestions
  • News Aggregator: AI-summarized crypto headlines

$CGPT Token Utility:

  • Access to tools and premium models
  • Developer credits
  • Ecosystem governance

Audience:

ChainGPT is ideal for technical users, developers, and power traders looking for coding help, risk management support, and project analysis. While useful, its trading tools aren’t as focused or optimized for performance as Token Metrics’ core offerings.

Why Token Metrics Dominates the AI Crypto Landscape

Token Metrics combines AI-grade analytics, execution, automation, and alerts, all under one unified system. It supports custom index building, signals, dashboards, rebalancing agents, and integrations with every major AI tool in the developer ecosystem.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The AI crypto boom is well underway in 2025. Each of the platforms covered—Kaito AI, Cookie.fun, Arkham, ChainGPT—offers specialized tools and insights. But for investors and traders seeking a complete, AI-first trading stack, Token Metrics ($TMAI) is the undisputed leader.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a crypto newcomer, $TMAI gives you the intelligence, precision, and automation needed to thrive in today’s volatile markets.

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