Bitcoin Core: Reference Bitcoin network implementation
Reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol that connects to the peer-to-peer network for block validation.
Learn more about Bitcoin Core
Bitcoin Core is the reference implementation of the Bitcoin cryptocurrency protocol, written in C++. It connects to the Bitcoin peer-to-peer network to download, validate, and relay blocks and transactions according to the consensus rules. The software includes a full node implementation that maintains a complete copy of the blockchain, along with wallet functionality and an optional graphical user interface. Bitcoin Core serves as the foundation for the Bitcoin network and is used by miners, developers, and users who require full validation of the blockchain.
Full Validation
Downloads and validates every block and transaction in the Bitcoin blockchain according to consensus rules. Provides complete verification without relying on third parties.
Reference Implementation
Serves as the authoritative implementation of the Bitcoin protocol. Other Bitcoin software implementations use Bitcoin Core as the standard for compatibility and consensus rule interpretation.
P2P Network Node
Participates directly in the Bitcoin peer-to-peer network by relaying transactions and blocks. Contributes to network decentralization and resilience.
Bitcoin Core 30.2
- –Bitcoin Core version 30.2 is now available from: https://bitcoincore.org/bin/bitcoin-core-30.2/ For the release notes please see the git repository: https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/release-notes/release-notes-30.2.md Do not use the links provided by GitHub, rather use the above download links, they are guaranteed to be generated deterministically and signed.
Bitcoin Core 30.1
- –Bitcoin Core version 30.1 is now available from: https://bitcoincore.org/bin/bitcoin-core-30.1/ For the release notes please see the git repository: https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/release-notes/release-notes-30.1.md Do not use the links provided by GitHub, rather use the above download links, they are guaranteed to be generated deterministically and signed.
Bitcoin Core 28.3
- –Bitcoin Core version 28.3 is now available from: https://bitcoincore.org/bin/bitcoin-core-28.3/ For the release notes please see the git repository: https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/release-notes/release-notes-28.3.md Do not use the links provided by GitHub
- –Instead, use the above download links, as they are guaranteed to be generated deterministically and signed.
See how people are using Bitcoin Core
Related Repositories
Discover similar tools and frameworks used by developers
Kubo
The first and most widely used IPFS implementation, providing distributed file storage and content addressing.
Agave
Blockchain validator software designed for fast, secure, and scalable decentralized applications and marketplaces.
Chainlink
Node software for operating in Chainlink's decentralized oracle network, connecting blockchain smart contracts to real-world data.
Optimism
Layer 2 blockchain that scales Ethereum using optimistic rollup technology and the open-source OP Stack framework.
Substrate
A modular framework for building custom blockchains with configurable consensus and runtime logic.