BITCOIN FUNDAMENTALS
A concise guide to the concepts behind Bitcoin, with original-source reading for a deeper view.
Bitcoin’s consensus rules limit issuance to approximately 21 million BTC. Each bitcoin is divisible into 100 million satoshis. Neither fact establishes a fair price or guarantees demand.
Bitcoin.org · Frequently asked questions →On-chain transactions compete for block space. A fee rate is commonly expressed in satoshis per virtual byte. Confirmation timing depends on network conditions; an estimate is not a guarantee.
Bitcoin developer guide · Block chain →A wallet manages the keys used to authorise transactions. Self-custody places responsibility for backups, access and recovery on the user. A custodian introduces a service provider and counterparty considerations.
Bitcoin developer guide · Wallets →The base network records on-chain settlement. Lightning uses payment channels for off-chain transfers, with its own liquidity, routing and operational requirements.
Lightning Network · Original technical paper →PRACTICAL NEXT STEP
Use the toolkit to see how BTC, satoshis and user-supplied currency assumptions relate.