> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://web3-encyclopedia.gitbook.io/web3-encyclopedia/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://web3-encyclopedia.gitbook.io/web3-encyclopedia/wallet/tl-dr.md).

# TL;DR 👀

<mark style="color:purple;">**What is a Blockchain Wallet?**</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">A blockchain or crypto wallet is a software program or physical device that allows you to store your crypto and allow for the sending and receiving of crypto transactions</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">Cryptocurrencies exist on a blockchain and the wallet software allows you to interact with the balances held on that blockchain</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">**Hardware / Software Wallet**</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">Hardware and software wallets have tradeoffs in self-ownership, ease of access, user experience, learning curves and cendorship resistance</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">Hardware wallets may be more secure and censorship-resistant, but they are more difficult to interact with and less intuitive than software wallets</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">**How to Get Your First Cryptocurrency**</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and others can be purchased on centralized exchanges</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">Setting up MetaMask Wallet</mark>

<mark style="color:purple;">MetaMask is one of the most popular crypto software wallets, and setting one up yourself requires a browser extension</mark>

<img src="/files/AUZcMSlcv8WVu44BBAml" alt="" data-size="line">

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<summary><mark style="color:yellow;">References</mark></summary>

[<mark style="color:purple;">https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/crypto-wallet</mark>](https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/crypto-wallet)

[<mark style="color:purple;">https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bitcoin.asp</mark>](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bitcoin.asp)

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