# Pathways Index

Builders pathways are structured learning activities that help software developers build Bitcoin knowledge, technical skills, and open-source readiness. Each pathway can be completed independently (self-paced) or through a live, guided cohort when available.

Not sure where to start? This page helps you compare pathways and choose the right fit.

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## How to Use this Page

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Review the [pathway descriptions and levels](/home.md#all-pathways)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Decide between [self-paced learning](/home.md#self-paced-learning-always-available) or applying for a [live cohort](/home.md#live-cohort-limited-and-selective)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click into a pathway page for full details, curriculum, and expectation
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

You do not need to join a live cohort to start learning.

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## Comparison Snapshot

| Pathway                             | Level                   | Focus                 | Capstone | Live Cohort |
| ----------------------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------- | -------- | ----------- |
| Mastering Bitcoin                   | Beginner                | Theory & fundamentals | No       | Yes         |
| Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line | Intermediate            | Bitcoin Core & CLI    | No       | Yes         |
| Rust for Bitcoiners                 | Intermediate → Advanced | Rust & OSS            | Yes      | Yes         |
| Language Clubs                      | Intermediate → Advanced | Python / C++          | Yes      | Yes         |

Self-paced learning is available for all pathways. Live cohorts run at [specific times](/home.md#program-calendar) during the year. 

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## Not Sure Where You Fit?

* New to Bitcoin? → Start with [Mastering Bitcoin](/01/mastering-bitcoin.md)
* Know the basics, want hands-on experience? → [Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line](/02/learn-bitcoin-from-the-command-line.md)
* Targeting serious OSS contributions? → [Rust for Bitcoiners](/03/rust-for-bitcoiners.md) or [Language Clubs](/04/language-clubs-not-rust.md)
* Busy schedule or exploring first? → Start self-paced and apply later

If you already have strong proof-of-work and active open-source contributions, you may be closer to the Open Source Fellowship or long-term contribution paths.

***

## What Happens After a Pathway?

* Continued learning via the Builders [Resource Hub](/resource-hub.md)
* Optional application to additional pathways
* Top performers from live cohorts may be invited to the Open Source Fellowship
* Long-term engagement through the Builders community and alumni network

Completion alone does not guarantee progression, readiness and consistency matter.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://pathways.btrust.tech/index.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.