Bitcoin Core

Bitcoin Core is the original and reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol, functioning as a full node client that downloads and validates the entire Bitcoin blockchain. It is essential for maintaining the security, decentralization, and rule enforcement of the peer-to-peer digital cash…

Key facts

First appeared: 2009
Category: technology
Problem solved: Bitcoin Core was created to provide a decentralized, peer-to-peer electronic cash system that could enable online payments to be sent directly between parties without needing a trusted third-party financial institution. This solved the 'double-spending problem' for digital currencies in a trustless environment, something previous attempts had failed to achieve.
Platforms: macOS, FreeBSD, Windows, Linux

Related technologies

Wasabi Wallet
Hardware Wallets
Lightning Network
Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs)
Electrum Wallet

Notable users

Cryptocurrency Exchanges
Open-Source Developers
Individual Bitcoin users running full nodes
Bitcoin Wallet Providers
Blockchain Researchers