Bitcoin Core is the reference implementation of Bitcoin’s software, responsible for maintaining the rules that ensure the integrity of the blockchain. It allows users to run a full node, validate transactions, and participate in the decentralized network.
Bitcoin Core follows a set of consensus rules that define valid Bitcoin transactions and blocks. Nodes running Bitcoin Core verify transactions and maintain a copy of the blockchain, ensuring consistency across the network.
Bitcoin Core maintains the blockchain and ensures that all transactions comply with the protocol’s consensus rules.
Bitcoin Core nodes check the validity of each transaction by verifying digital signatures and ensuring that outputs have not been previously spent.
Running a full node with Bitcoin Core is optional but strengthens the network by verifying transactions independently.
As open-source software, Bitcoin Core allows developers to contribute and propose improvements that align with the consensus model.