Could you elaborate on the operational mechanisms of a decentralized exchange? I'm curious to understand how transactions are facilitated without a central authority. Specifically, how do buyers and sellers connect, what roles do smart contracts play, and how are orders matched and executed? I'm also interested in knowing the security measures and advantages that make decentralized exchanges appealing compared to traditional, centralized exchanges. Clarifying these points would greatly enhance my comprehension of the decentralized exchange ecosystem.
            
            
            
            
            
            
           
          
          
            6 answers
            
            
  
    
    alexander_jackson_athlete
    Sat Jul 13 2024
   
  
    Cryptocurrency swaps on decentralized exchanges occur in a unique manner, as the crypto asset is transferred directly to the user's wallet upon execution. 
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    Giulia
    Sat Jul 13 2024
   
  
    This direct transfer eliminates the involvement of intermediaries and ensures the asset remains in the user's possession throughout the transaction.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    Michele
    Fri Jul 12 2024
   
  
    In contrast, centralized exchanges operate in a fundamentally different manner. Here, customers' wallets are technically not owned by the customers themselves.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    KatanaSword
    Fri Jul 12 2024
   
  
    On centralized exchanges, the crypto assets are held in custodial wallets managed by the exchange, with the customer only having access to their balances through the exchange's platform.
  
  
 
            
            
  
    
    Chiara
    Fri Jul 12 2024
   
  
    This custodial model allows the exchange to offer additional services, such as trading facilitation and margin trading, but it also raises questions about the security and custody of customers' assets.