A comprehensive guide to terms used in Nova Launch and the Stellar ecosystem.
A unique identifier for a Stellar account, starting with "G" and 56 characters long. Example: GXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Also called: Account address, wallet address, public key
The creator and controller of a token. The admin can mint additional tokens, burn tokens, and update metadata.
Another term for a token on the Stellar network. All tokens are assets, but not all assets are tokens (XLM is the native asset).
The amount of a specific token or XLM held in a wallet.
A distributed, immutable ledger that records all transactions. Stellar is a blockchain network.
The permanent removal of tokens from circulation. Burned tokens cannot be recovered or used again.
The ability for a token admin to forcibly remove tokens from any holder's wallet. Also called "admin burn" in Nova Launch.
A smart contract - programmable code deployed on the blockchain. Nova Launch deploys token contracts.
The unique identifier for a deployed smart contract. Your token's contract address is how others can find and interact with it.
The number of decimal places a token supports, determining its divisibility.
Examples:
- 0 decimals: Only whole numbers (1, 2, 3)
- 2 decimals: Like dollars (1.00, 1.50)
- 7 decimals: Stellar standard (0.0000001 minimum)
- 18 decimals: Maximum divisibility
Not controlled by a single entity. Blockchain networks are decentralized - no single company or person controls them.
The process of creating and publishing a token contract to the blockchain.
A platform for trading tokens without a central authority. Examples: Stellar DEX, Uniswap.
Payment required to perform blockchain operations. Nova Launch fees:
- Base deployment: 7 XLM
- Metadata: 3 XLM
- Network fees: ~0.00001 XLM per transaction
A popular Stellar wallet browser extension. Recommended for use with Nova Launch.
A service that provides free test XLM on Stellar's testnet for development and testing.
A term from Ethereum for transaction fees. Stellar uses much lower fees than Ethereum "gas."
Stellar's API server for interacting with the blockchain. Used to query balances, submit transactions, and read blockchain data.
A unique identifier for a transaction. Also called transaction hash or TX hash. Used to look up transactions on blockchain explorers.
The number of tokens created when a token is first deployed. These tokens are minted to the creator's wallet.
Decentralized storage network used for storing token metadata (logos and descriptions). Content on IPFS is permanent and distributed.
- A record of all transactions on a blockchain
- A hardware wallet brand for secure key storage
The availability of a token for trading. High liquidity means easy buying/selling.
See XLM.
The production Stellar network where real transactions occur with real value. Opposite of testnet.
Additional information about a token, including:
- Logo image
- Description
- Website
- Social links
Stored on IPFS and linked to the token contract.
The creation of new tokens. Initial minting happens at deployment. Additional minting can be done by the token admin.
The blockchain environment. Stellar has two main networks:
- Testnet: For testing (free, no real value)
- Mainnet: For production (real XLM, real value)
A system where users maintain control of their own funds and private keys. Nova Launch is non-custodial - we never have access to your wallet.
A secret code that controls access to a wallet. Also called "secret key." Starts with "S" on Stellar. Never share your private key!
Your wallet address that others can see and send tokens to. Safe to share publicly. Starts with "G" on Stellar.
A 12 or 24-word phrase that can restore access to your wallet. Also called:
- Seed phrase
- Mnemonic phrase
- Backup phrase
Critical: Write it down and keep it secure. Never share it!
Programmable code that runs on a blockchain. Nova Launch uses smart contracts to deploy tokens.
Stellar's smart contract platform. Enables programmable tokens and applications on Stellar.
The blockchain network that Nova Launch uses. Known for fast, low-cost transactions.
The smallest unit of XLM. 1 XLM = 10,000,000 stroops. Like cents to dollars.
The total number of tokens in existence. Can be:
- Initial supply: Created at deployment
- Total supply: All tokens ever created
- Circulating supply: Tokens available (excluding burned tokens)
A short ticker code for a token. Examples: BTC, ETH, XLM. Your token's symbol should be 3-12 characters.
A test version of the Stellar network. Uses free test XLM with no real value. Perfect for practicing before mainnet deployment.
A digital asset created on a blockchain. Can represent anything: currency, points, access, ownership, etc.
An operation on the blockchain, such as:
- Deploying a token
- Transferring tokens
- Minting new tokens
- Burning tokens
The wallet address that receives platform fees. Controlled by Nova Launch.
Software that stores your private keys and lets you interact with the blockchain. Examples: Freighter, Albedo, xBull.
A binary format for smart contracts. Soroban contracts are compiled to WASM.
The native cryptocurrency of the Stellar network. Required for:
- Transaction fees
- Minimum account balance (1 XLM)
- Nova Launch deployment fees
Current price: ~$0.10 USD (varies)
A format for encoding Stellar transactions. Used internally by wallets and tools.
| Abbreviation | Full Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DEX | Decentralized Exchange | Trading platform without central control |
| DApp | Decentralized Application | Application running on blockchain |
| DAO | Decentralized Autonomous Organization | Community-governed organization |
| KYC | Know Your Customer | Identity verification process |
| TX | Transaction | Blockchain operation |
| UI | User Interface | Visual design of application |
| UX | User Experience | How users interact with application |
| API | Application Programming Interface | Software communication protocol |
| SDK | Software Development Kit | Tools for developers |
A token where each unit is identical and interchangeable. Like currency - one dollar equals any other dollar.
A unique token that cannot be exchanged 1:1 with another. Each NFT is distinct.
A token that provides access to a product or service.
A token that grants voting rights in a DAO or protocol.
A token that represents ownership or investment. May be subject to securities regulations.
Maximum fee willing to pay for a transaction. Not used on Stellar (fixed low fees).
A number used once to prevent transaction replay. Handled automatically by Stellar.
How blockchain nodes agree on transaction validity. Stellar uses Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP).
A computer that participates in the blockchain network by validating and relaying transactions.
A node that participates in consensus to validate transactions.
Total value of all tokens: (Token Price) × (Circulating Supply)
A collection of tokens locked in a smart contract to enable trading.
The difference between expected and actual trade price due to market movement.
The yearly return on an investment, including compound interest.
Fraudulent attempts to steal private keys or recovery phrases through fake websites or messages.
A scam where token creators abandon a project and steal funds.
A security review of smart contract code to find vulnerabilities.
Multi-signature - requiring multiple approvals for transactions. Adds security.
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