Blockchain 101 - Amms Vs Order Books

This article explains the two main ways trades happen in crypto markets, Automated Market Makers (AMMs) and Order Books, using simple language, clear steps, and everyday analogies. No trading background required.

💡 Quick Overview, The Simple Idea:

Automated Market Makers (AMMs):

·         AMMs allow users to trade directly against liquidity pools rather than other traders. Prices are determined by algorithmic formulas (such as constant product formulas), and liquidity is provided by users who earn trading fees in return.

Order Book Models:

·         Order books match buyers and sellers by listing buy and sell orders at specific prices. Trades execute when these prices align, relying on active participants and market makers to supply liquidity.

🎯 Analogy:

• AMMs = a vending machine that always sells at a calculated price determined by a program.
• Order books = a marketplace where buyers and sellers negotiate prices.

📌 Important Terms:

• AMM (Automated Market Maker): A system that uses algorithmic formulas to set prices instead of matching buyers and sellers.
• Order Book: A list of buy and sell orders waiting to be matched.
• Liquidity Pool: Tokens deposited by users that power AMM trades.
• Liquidity Provider (LP): Users who supply tokens to pools and earn fees.
• Slippage: Price change that happens during a trade.
• Spread: The difference between the highest buy price and lowest sell price.

🔹 Step-by-step: How AMMs & Order Books Work

🔄 AMMs (Automated Market Makers)

1. Liquidity is deposited into pools:
   Users supply two tokens (like ETH + USDC) into a shared pool.

🎯 Analogy:
Filling a vending machine with snacks and drinks.

2. Prices are set by a formula:
   AMMs use math (like X × Y = Z) to automatically adjust prices based on supply and demand.

🎯 Analogy:
The vending machine raises prices as items sell out.

3. Traders swap directly with the pool:
   You trade tokens with the pool, no buyer or seller needed.

🎯 Analogy:
You insert money and instantly get a snack.

4. Liquidity providers earn fees:
   Every trade pays a small fee that gets shared with liquidity providers.

🎯 Analogy:
The vending machine owner earns money from each purchase.

📒 Order Books

1. Buyers and sellers place orders:
   Traders submit limit or market orders at specific prices.

🎯 Analogy:
Shoppers shouting offers in a crowded market.

2. Orders wait to be matched:
   Orders sit in the book until a matching price appears.

🎯 Analogy:
Waiting for someone to accept your offer.

3. Trades execute when prices match:
   When a buy and sell price align, the trade happens.

🎯 Analogy:
A handshake confirms the deal.

4. The book constantly updates:
   New orders change prices and available liquidity in real time.

🎯 Analogy:
Price tags changing as demand shifts.

🖼️ Visual Summary (Mini Flow):

AMMs:
Liquidity Pool → Math-Based Pricing → Instant Swaps → Fees to LPs

Order Books:
Buy Orders + Sell Orders → Price Matching → Trade Execution

❓ Common Questions & Tips:

• Which is faster?
  AMMs offer instant trades; order books depend on matching orders.
  
  
• Which is more beginner-friendly?
  AMMs are simpler for new users.
  
  
• Which has better pricing?
  Order books often provide tighter prices for large or professional trades.
  
  
• Examples:
• AMMs: Uniswap, PancakeSwap, Curve
• Order Books: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken

🔒 Security Pointers (Must-Knows):

• AMMs carry impermanent loss risk for liquidity providers.
• Order book platforms often require custodial accounts.
• Always check trading fees and slippage before swapping.
• Use reputable, well-established platforms.
• Never trade with funds you can’t afford to lose.