Address

A crypto address is a string of characters, usually derived from a public key, that identifies a destination for funds on a blockchain—similar to an account number others can send to. Addresses are public and can be shared to receive payments, but they are pseudonymous rather than anonymous, since all activity is visible on the ledger. Formats differ between networks, and sending to an address on the wrong network can cause loss.

A common misconception is that an address stores coins; it is only a label the ledger tracks balances against. You can inspect any address using a block explorer.