Capitalizations Index – B ∞/21M
Miners verify bitcoin transactions by validating digital signatures, checking inputs aren’t spent, assembling transactions into blocks, and solving a proof-of-work puzzle. Successful miners add blocks to the blockchain.
bitcoin mining is the process where miners solve cryptographic puzzles to validate transactions and add blocks to the blockchain, securing the network and issuing new bitcoins as rewards.
bitcoin is pseudonymous, not anonymous: transactions tie addresses to public records on the blockchain. Imprints, analytics and off-chain links can reveal identities, though privacy tools complicate tracing.
Blockchain is a public, decentralized ledger that records bitcoin transactions across a distributed network. Immutable blocks link via cryptographic hashes, ensuring transparency, security, and trust without intermediaries.
bitcoin isn’t run by one person or company; control emerges from decentralized consensus. Miners, node operators, developers and users coordinate protocol changes through open, rule-based processes.
bitcoin is called ‘digital gold’ because its 21 million cap and predictable issuance create scarcity akin to gold. Decentralization, divisibility and durability support its role as a digital store of value.
A bitcoin node operator runs software that validates and relays transactions and blocks, enforces protocol rules, maintains a copy of the ledger, and helps secure and decentralize the network.