Mastering Bitcoin

Build strong Bitcoin fundamentals and mental models, the right way.

Mastering Bitcoin is an 8-week foundational pathway designed to help developers deeply understand how Bitcoin works, from first principles to protocol-level mechanics.

This pathway emphasizes technical reading, critical thinking, and discussion, the skills required to engage seriously with Bitcoin development and open-source work.

You can complete this pathway independently (self-paced) or apply to join a live, guided cohort.

CTAs

Start Self-Paced Learning

Apply join a Live Cohort

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What This Pathway Is

Mastering Bitcoin is about understanding before building.

Rather than jumping straight into tooling or code, this pathway focuses on developing correct mental models of Bitcoin: how the protocol works, why it is designed the way it is, and what trade-offs it makes.

This foundation is essential for anyone who wants to move from being a Bitcoin user to becoming a serious contributor to Bitcoin open-source software.

Who It's For

This pathway is designed for:

• Developers new to Bitcoin

• Engineers seeking deeper protocol understanding

• Builders transitioning from “user” to “contributor”

• Anyone serious about learning Bitcoin correctly

You do not need to be an expert. Curiosity, discipline, and consistency matter more than prior knowledge.

Prerequisites

• No formal Bitcoin background required

• Basic programming familiarity is helpful, but not required

• Willingness to read carefully and think deeply

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this pathway, you will be able to:

• Understand how Bitcoin works under the hood

• Develop accurate Bitcoin mental models

• Read and reason about protocol-level concepts

• Discuss Bitcoin tradeoffs clearly and precisely

• Build strong technical reading and discussion habits

This pathway is a prerequisite for meaningful contribution later.

Core Study Material

This pathway is built around:

GitHub - bitcoinbook/bitcoinbook: Mastering Bitcoin 3rd Edition - Programming the Open BlockchainGitHub

All readings, reflection prompts, and discussions are anchored to this text.

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Choose Your Learning Mode

Self-Paced Learning (Always Available)

Learn independently using Builders materials, at your own pace.

Includes

• Structured reading breakdowns

• Curated reflection prompts

• Access to the Builders Resource Hub

Does not include

• Live sessions

• Group assignments

• Evaluation or graduation

• Fellowship consideration

Best for

• Independent learners

• Busy schedules

• Exploratory or refresher learning

Start Self-Paced Learning

Live Cohort (Limited & Selective)

A structured, guided experience with accountability and evaluation.

Includes

• Fixed 8-week schedule

• Weekly live Socratic discussions

• Small study groups (4–6 learners)

• Assigned chaperone (experienced guide)

• Evaluation and graduation

• Eligibility for Fellowship consideration

Expectations

• Consistent weekly participation

• Preparedness for discussion

• Respectful collaboration

• Learning in public

Apply for a Live Cohort

Due to high demand, not all learners are accepted into live cohorts. The pathway is intentionally designed so self-paced learners still receive a high-quality experience.

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What Comes After This Pathway?

• Continue learning via the Builders Resource Hub

• Apply to additional Btrust Builders Pathways

• Top performers may be invited to the Open Source Fellowship (live-cohort participants only)

• Long-term engagement through the Builders community and alumni network

This pathway is a foundation, not an endpoint.