Curve Finance is a decentralized exchange (DEX) specialized in trading between stablecoins and correlated assets. Instead of Uniswap's constant product formula (x*y=k), Curve uses StableSwap—an algorithm optimized for assets that should be approximately equal price. A Curve pool combines: liquidity provider deposits (earn fees + rewards), smart contract mechanics (StableSwap formula), governance (CRV token voting), and yield strategies (external incentives).