Trustless
You don't need to trust anyone because the code enforces the rules. Math and computers replace the need for trusted middlemen.
Example
Trading Bitcoin directly with a stranger. You don't trust them - you trust the blockchain to ensure nobody cheats.
Related Terms
Core Concepts
🔍Common Misconceptions
✗Trustless means you can trust everything
✓Trustless means you don't need to trust humans - but you're trusting the code. Bugs can still cause losses.
✗Trustless systems are always safer
✓Trust is shifted, not eliminated. You're trusting code, math, and the security assumptions of the protocol.
✗Nothing in crypto requires trust
✓Many crypto apps have admin keys, upgradeable contracts, and other trusted elements. True trustlessness is rare.