Particl Academy Rework

basicswap-dex/basicswap_compared.rst

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+==============
+DEX Comparison
+==============
+
+.. title::
+     BasicSwap DEX Compared
+
+.. meta::
+      :description lang=en: See how BasicSwap DEX compares to other cryptocurrency trading exchanges.
+
+BasicSwap is not the first :term:`DEX <DEX>` to see the day, but it certainly holds a unique position for itself, notably in relation to its strong commitments to privacy, security, and an uncompromising level of :term:`decentralization <Decentralized Network>`. Let’s take a look at how it compares to other popular DEXs available today.
+
+----
+
+.. figure:: ../_static/media/images/basicswap_compared.jpg
+    :align: center
+    :alt: DEX Comparison
+    :target: ../_static/media/images/basicswap_compared.jpg
+
+    Comparison of the most popular DEXs (26-06-2022)
+
+To get a better idea of how BasicSwap :term:`DEX <DEX>` compares to other cryptocurrency trading exchanges, you can first take a look at the following comparison chart.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Order Books**
+
+     An order book is an aggregated and public list of orders put by other traders. It is possible to either make an order at the desired price (meaning adding a new order to the public list of orders) or take one already listed by another trader.
+
+     Typically, order books require a central database to host the order data. It is also often used to determine trading fees, with a different fee model being proposed for makers and takers.
+     Because BasicSwap is entirely decentralized, it uses SMSG to host order data and display it to other peers. It also charges no fee at all.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **No KYC**
+
+     KYC is used here as an umbrella term referring to any user verification or document requirement from exchanges. This usually includes an ID such as a driving license or a passport, a proof of address, and a face picture with the accompanying documentation in hand. Certain exchanges will ask for more information and may do so often, significantly increasing the risks of data leaks and identity thefts.
+
+     BasicSwap doesn’t require any of that. In fact, it doesn’t even require an email address or to register an account to get started. It is a completely decentralized trading platform that is open to all without restriction or discrimination.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Financial Privacy**
+
+     When you trade cryptocurrencies on an exchange, all of your financial data and activities are logged by the exchange operator and may be analyzed, shared with unauthorized parties, sold, or even leaked. 
+     Additionally, depositing coins on an exchange reveals your wallet address, allowing that exchange to track and analyze all your previous transactions, as well as your current holdings, and share that information with their partners. 
+
+     On BasicSwap, privacy isn’t an afterthought. It’s built at the core of the :term:`DEX <DEX>` from the ground up. As such, depositing coins on your BasicSwap address won’t leak your financial information to a central authority. In fact, it is possible to trade on BasicSwap in full anonymity, with more privacy-boosting features coming during the DEX’s open beta phase.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **No Fees**
+
+     Trading fees are a highly inconvenient fact one has to deal with when trading cryptocurrencies. They make trading often costly and eats on profits. At times, exchanges will have different fees for makers than for takers.
+
+     That’s not the case with BasicSwap. The DEX is offered for free; the only fee you need to pay when swapping is the usual cryptocurrency transaction fee of the coin you’re swapping against; a small price to pay for true cross-chain swaps, especially compared to the large trading fees one has to pay if trading on other exchanges (including the vast majority of decentralized ones).
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Monero Support**
+
+     Monero is dubbed the king of privacy coins, and it’s certainly the one with the largest level of adoption. As such, its users are often persecuted or hit with invasive “source of funds” or KYC requests. The coin also itself tends to be delisted from more and more exchanges.
+
+     BasicSwap offers a permanent and easy-to-use solution to that problem by allowing Monero to be swapped against a large number of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. 
+
+     And because of its decentralized nature, traders can rest easy knowing they will never be hit with any source of funds request, invasive KYC, have their accounts frozen, or wake up one day with Monero delisted from the exchange.
+
+     Monero’s very rigid codebase typically makes it impossible for the coin to be listed on decentralized exchanges without some form of asset wrapping. But thanks to BasicSwap’s revolutionary back-end protocol and Monero’s atomic swap protocol, swapping XMR in a completely decentralized fashion is now a reality.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Non-Custodianship**
+
+     “Not your keys, not your coins”. You’ve probably heard this often already, but it’s a major tenet of cryptocurrencies. When you deposit coins on an exchange, you essentially lose full access to their private keys, granting custodianship to a central party that may then freeze your account, prevent you from accessing your coins, or even lose them through a not-so-uncommon exchange hack.
+
+     BasicSwap flips the script by allowing you to remain in full control, at all times, of your private keys. Here, there is no third-party custodian; you are the full owner of your coins at every step of the way. 
+     Even when trading, BasicSwap uses a combination of the SMSG network, atomic swaps, and scriptless scripts instead of a central custodian to swap cryptocurrencies. 
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Fiat or Stablecoin Support**
+
+     Being able to trade cryptocurrencies against more stable forms of currencies is a vital capability of exchanges. That’s because traders may want to hedge against the often-wild fluctuations of cryptocurrencies and, eventually, withdraw the fiat equivalent of their holdings.
+
+     Unfortunately, BasicSwap does not currently support any stablecoin. It is, however, planned for later during the open beta as it is a vital feature of any exchange.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Accessibility**
+
+     Availability or accessibility refers to how one interacts with an exchange. With most traditional exchanges, they can simply be accessed through the web by navigating to their URL. Some exchanges also offer mobile platforms.
+
+     BasicSwap, on the other hand, is currently only available through a local desktop client that has to be run on a computer. This offers the maximum level of privacy and security for your funds but is less accessible and convenient to most people.
+
+     As such, BasicSwap will be made available through the web at a later stage during the open beta.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+     .. container:: header
+
+        **Set up Process**
+
+     Traditional exchanges have their share of challenges when first setting up an account. They typically require an account to be created, an identity and an address to be verified, etc. However, most traders have grown accustomed to these practices.
+
+     BasicSwap, like most other DEX, requires a bit more involved process in setting things up. In the case of BasicSwap, a full :term:`node <node>` of all enabled coins must be synced locally and the local client has to be manually built up in the first place. This makes for a longer and, in some cases, more complicated setup process.
+
+     To improve the platform’s level of adoption, BasicSwap’s setup process is planned to be majorly simplified and sped up as we progress through its open beta phase. Notably, the web versions planned for it will use some kind of light services, essentially skipping any syncing and building requirements.
+
+As this comparison table shows, each exchange, centralized or decentralized, has its pros and cons and caters to a niche and use case of its own. 
+
+While BasicSwap DEX may be at an earlier stage of development compared to others, it may carry some downsides but makes up for them with its incredible level of financial privacy. With sufficient development time, these downsides are fully expected to be dealt with appropriately.
+
+----
+
+.. seealso::
+
+ - Blog Post - `BasicSwap The Fully Private Cross Chain DEX <https://particl.news/basicswap-the-fully-private-cross-chain-dex/>`_ 
+ - Github - `BasicSwap <https://github.com/tecnovert/basicswap>`_
+ - BasicSwap Explained - :doc:`DEX Comparison <../basicswap-dex/basicswap_compared>`
+ - BasicSwap Explained - :doc:`Under the Hood <../basicswap-dex/basicswap_technicals>`
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`Install and Get Started <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_installation>`
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`How to Use <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_usage>` 
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`Add or Remove a Coin <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_installation>`
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`Apply for Coin Listing <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_apply>` 

basicswap-dex/basicswap_explained.rst

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+===================
+BasicSwap Explained
+===================
+
+.. title::
+     BasicSwap DEX Explained
+
+.. meta::
+
+      :description lang=en: Overview of the BasicSwap DEX protocol and its local desktop client.
+
+:term:`BasicSwap <BasicSwap>` is a cross-chain and privacy-centric :term:`DEX <DEX>` (decentralized exchange) that lets you trade cryptocurrencies without middleman interference. Its distributed order book lets you make or take orders at no cost and trade within a free and open environment without central points of failure.
+
+BasicSwap was built in direct response to the increasingly invasive demands and data mining practices of today’s :term:`cryptocurrency` exchanges. It strives to bring more sane cryptocurrency trading conditions for all.
+
+----
+
+.. contents:: Table of Contents
+   :local:
+   :backlinks: none
+   :depth: 2
+
+----
+
+What is it?
+^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+.. figure:: ../_static/media/images/basicswap_orders.jpg
+    :align: center
+    :alt: BasicSwap's order book — WIP, design subject to change
+    :target: ../_static/media/images/basicswap_orders.jpg
+
+    BasicSwap's order book — WIP/Beta, UI/UX subject to change
+
+While the :term:`BasicSwap` DEX is easy-to-use and relatively straightforward, what happens in the background is complex and intricate. 
+
+The protocol leverages a variety of distributed and open-source technologies such as atomic swaps, scriptless scripts, and the SMSG network. This enables it to run autonomously without central servers, databases, or even employees maintaining it. Rather, the protocol is developed, maintained, and run by a vast decentralized network of contributors and participants from all around the world.
+
+Benefits
+---------
+
+This decentralized architecture gives :term:`BasicSwap` major advantages when compared to traditional exchanges (sometimes referred to as “centralized exchanges” or “CEX”).
+
+* **No trading fees** — you never have to pay trading fees ever again.
+* **Total privacy** — no data or personal information is ever collected about you.
+* **Secure** — its non-custodial approach offers the highest level of security for your funds.
+* **No KYC or account** — you don’t have to create an account or provide any document or KYC information.
+* **Complete freedom** — no user ban, geo-fencing, or asset seizures.
+* **Unstoppable** — can’t be censored or shut down by anyone.
+* **Autonomous** — runs by itself and requires no human intervention.
+
+These advantages are only possible thanks to the uniquely :term:`decentralized <Decentralization>` nature of the BasicSwap protocol.
+
+Features
+--------
+
+BasicSwap is still in beta. That means that, while it offers most of the basic trading features you’d expect to see on centralized exchanges, it is still in heavy development, and many more features will come about in the near future.
+
+* **True cross-chain support** — Swap cryptocurrencies that live on different blockchains like Bitcoin and Monero.
+* **Distributed order book** — Make or take limit orders on a completely distributed order book system.
+* **No third-party or middleman** — Trade crypto with no intermediaries whatsoever.
+* **No trading fees** — Only pay the typical :term:`cryptocurrency` network fee. No more trading fees!
+* **Privacy from the ground up** — Every component of BasicSwap is built with a privacy-first commitment.
+* **Full Monero support** — Swap Monero with a variety of other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Particl. No wrapped assets or trickery involved.
+* **User-friendly interface** — Enjoy all these features with a user-friendly and intuitive interface that does all the complicated parts for you.
+
+Compatible Coins
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+.. figure:: ../_static/media/images/basicswap_wallets.jpg
+    :align: center
+    :alt: BasicSwap's wallets page — WIP, design subject to change
+    :target: ../_static/media/images/basicswap_wallets.jpg
+
+    BasicSwap's wallets page — WIP/Beta, UI/UX subject to change
+
+BasicSwap already offers decentralized trading services for the following cryptocurrencies.
+
+* **Bitcoin** 
+* **Monero**
+* **Particl** 
+* **PIVX**
+* **Litecoin**
+* **Namecoin** 
+
+We are looking at adding many other coins, including ETH and its ERC-20 tokens, following the release of the open beta. Any Bitcoin-based and Segwit-enabled :term:`cryptocurrency` can get integrated with minimal effort. Other token-issuing blockchains like Fantom, Solana, Avalanche, Polygon, or BSC may become available on BasicSwap at a later stage of the integration roadmap.
+
+Access Gateways
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+Access gateways refer to any platform used by the end-user to access and use BasicSwap. It is, in other words, the graphical interface of the application.
+
+Because BasicSwap is, at its core, an open DEX protocol, it is possible to access and use it with a variety of access gateways. 
+
+Gateways, each with pros and cons, may display things differently or provide a different set of features. But because they each connect to the same protocol, all gateways are cross-compatible with each other and share the same order books and liquidity, meaning two swappers do not need to be using the same gateway to trade together.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+    .. container:: header
+
+        **BasicSwap Desktop**
+
+    BasicSwap Desktop is currently the only way to access and use the BasicSwap open beta, with other access gateways in the works. It not only lets you manage your various non-custodial :term:`cryptocurrency` wallets but also trade with other people without third-party interference. 
+
+    **Pros:**
+
+    * **No compromise** — Use BasicSwap without any central service involved.
+    * **Desktop access** — Access the DEX locally from your computer.
+    * **Maximum privacy** — Trade in complete and total privacy.
+
+    **Cons:**
+
+    * **Slower setup** — The local client needs to be manually compiled and the initial setup process can take some time and tinkering.
+    * **No web access** — The DEX has to be accessed from a local client and cannot be used from the convenience of a web browser.    
+    * **Must stay online** — Your BasicSwap :term:`node <node>` needs to remain online to broadcast your orders in the order book and execute trades.
+    * **Heavy** — You need to download and store the full blockchain nodes of the coins you’ve enabled, which can take a considerable amount of space.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+    .. container:: header
+
+        **Web Gateway**
+
+    Although not available presently, a web gateway that lets you access and use the marketplace from your favorite browser is in the works.
+
+    With web applications taking an ever-increasing part of our digital lives and with the vast majority of exchanges being primarily available from the web, BasicSwap’s web gateways are poised to become one of the most appealing ways to trade on it.
+
+
+    **Pros:**
+
+    * **Universal access** — Use BasicSwap anywhere using your computer or mobile device.
+    * **Faster to set up** — Get started in just a few seconds thanks to a much quicker setup process and no requirement to host full blockchain :term:`nodes <node>` locally.
+    * **Easy to use** — Using the marketplace from the web is the easiest and most user-friendly way to go about it.
+
+    **Cons:**
+
+    * **Third-party nodes** — Third-party nodes slightly reduce the level of decentralization but still preserve your privacy and the security of your funds using end-to-end encryption and a non-custodial approach.
+    * **Phishing** — By nature, web applications tend to be more prone to successful phishing, clones, and social engineering attacks.
+
+.. container:: toggle
+
+    .. container:: header
+
+        **Third-Party Integrations**
+
+    BasicSwap can communicate with outside applications, enabling integrations in third-party products and services like :term:`cryptocurrency` wallets, payment applications, web plugins, etc.
+
+    But although this functionality is already available, a comprehensive developer SDK toolkit along with developer-friendly modules are in the works to make the process of integrating the marketplace into third-party applications easier and more straightforward. 
+
+    **Pros:**
+
+    * **Use-case improvement** — Add functionality and use-cases to your product by integrating the ready-made BasicSwap DEX.
+    * **Varied access** — Access and use BasicSwap from other non-Particl applications that you may already use.
+    * **All the benefits of web access** — Integrating the DEX into a third-party application can enable all the benefits of web gateways.
+
+    **Cons:**
+
+    * **Third-party nodes** — Third-party nodes slightly reduce the level of decentralization.
+    * **Privacy risks** — A third-party may not hold the same privacy ethos as the Particl project and work on collecting data or tracking its users.
+    * **Implementation risks** — Requires that you trust the third-party and its implementation of the Particl Marketplace.
+
+----
+
+.. seealso::
+
+ - Blog Post - `BasicSwap The Fully Private Cross Chain DEX <https://particl.news/basicswap-the-fully-private-cross-chain-dex/>`_  
+ - Github - `BasicSwap <https://github.com/tecnovert/basicswap>`_
+ - BasicSwap Explained - :doc:`DEX Comparison <../basicswap-dex/basicswap_compared>`
+ - BasicSwap Explained - :doc:`Under the Hood <../basicswap-dex/basicswap_technicals>`
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`Install and Get Started <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_installation>`
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`How to Use <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_usage>` 
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`Add or Remove a Coin <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_installation>`
+ - BasicSwap Guides - :doc:`Apply for Coin Listing <../basicswap-guides/basicswapguides_apply>`