DeFi recreates traditional financial instruments — lending, trading, derivatives — in a trustless, permissionless manner. Understanding these building blocks is essential for any Web3 role.
AMMs (Automated Market Makers)
Uniswap popularized the constant-product AMM formula x * y = k. V3 introduced concentrated liquidity — LPs can specify price ranges, dramatically improving capital efficiency.
Lending & Borrowing
Protocols like Aave and Compound let users supply assets as collateral and borrow against them. Health factors prevent liquidation — if collateral value drops relative to borrowed assets, anyone can claim the collateral.
Stablecoins
DAI is over-collateralized. USDC and USDT are centralized, backed by real-world reserves. FRAX is hybrid: partially backed, partially algorithmic.
Derivatives
dYdX pioneered off-chain order books with on-chain settlement. Perpetual protocols offer leveraged perpetual futures — PnL is distributed to stakers.
Yield Strategies
Yield aggregators automatically move capital between protocols seeking the highest yield. This compounds smart contract risk, impermanent loss, and rug risk.
Key Metrics
- TVL (Total Value Locked): total assets deposited.
- APY / APR: annual yield, compound vs. simple interest.
- Protocol revenue: sustainable if from real utility, not token inflation.
- Dilution risk: new token emissions reduce existing holders share.