If you've ever sent cryptocurrency from one wallet to another, you've probably wondered what actually happens after you click "Send." While the process may seem instant from the user's perspective, a blockchain transaction goes through several important steps before it becomes a permanent part of the blockchain.

One of the first concepts every cryptocurrency user encounters is the idea of public keys and private keys. While these terms may sound technical, they are fundamental to how blockchain networks keep digital assets secure without relying on banks or other central authorities.