How Bitcoin works
Community-maintained Bitcoin explanations; bitcoin.org is not a governing authority.
Read at bitcoin.org
Bitcoin / 07
Civic Hall
Where ideas become proposals.
People, proposals & participation
Understand who
shapes the network.
Bitcoin has no central governing company or universal coin-holder ballot. Proposals, open development, discussion, and voluntary software adoption shape change.
How participation works
BIPs document proposed changes; publishing or merging a BIP does not activate it. Node operators choose the rules they enforce; miners and the wider ecosystem have distinct roles.
Bitcoin Improvement Proposals
Read proposals and their documented process; BIP status is distinct from activation.
Read at github.comContribute to Bitcoin Core
Review and contribute to one major Bitcoin software implementation.
Read at bitcoincore.orgBitcoin whitepaper
The original peer-to-peer electronic cash design paper.
Read at bitcoin.orgOfficial sources reviewed September 12, 2026. Inclusion is not a guarantee of safety, returns, or availability. Check current fees, eligibility, supported assets, and terms at the provider.