What is MetaMask? What type of cryptocurrency wallet is it?
Carlos Howard
Carlos Howard
Blockchain architect with 8 years' Ethereum experience; 8年以太坊开发经验的区块链架构师。
Sure, no problem.
What is MetaMask? What kind of cryptocurrency wallet is it?
Hey there! I see you're curious about MetaMask, so let me explain it to you in simple terms. Don't think of it as too complicated; it's essentially your "Alipay" + "browser pass" for the crypto world.
In simple terms, MetaMask is like...
- Your "Digital Wallet" for the Blockchain World: Just like you use Alipay or WeChat Pay to store money, you can use MetaMask to store your cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum (ETH) and various other tokens (what we often call "altcoins").
- Your "Passport and Key" for the Decentralized World: This is its coolest feature! When you visit websites or applications built on blockchain technology (what we call DApps), you no longer need to register an account, set up a username, and password. You simply click "Connect Wallet," and MetaMask will handle your identity verification and login. It serves as your sole credential in this new world.
So, what exactly is it?
In terms of its form, MetaMask's most common version is a browser extension.
You can install it on your Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other browsers. Once installed, you'll see a small fox icon in the upper right corner of your browser – that's it. Clicking it will bring up your digital wallet, which is very convenient.
Of course, it also has a mobile app version, making it convenient for you to operate on your phone.