#CEXvsDEX101 Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) and Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) both allow you to trade crypto, but they work differently. A CEX like Binance or Coinbase acts as a trusted middleman, handling your trades and custody. They're user-friendly, fast, and offer high liquidity. However, they control your funds unless you withdraw. A DEX, like Uniswap or Jupiter on Solana, allows peer-to-peer trading using smart contracts. You control your private keys and funds, which means better decentralization and security—but DEXs can have slower transactions, higher fees, and a steeper learning curve. Choosing between the two depends on your priorities: convenience or control.