Welcome to Technical Foundations
This stage takes you deep into the technical architecture of Bitcoin. You'll understand how transactions work at the protocol level, master the cryptographic primitives that secure the network, and comprehend how proof-of-work creates decentralized consensus.
By the end of this stage, you'll be able to read raw transactions, understand Bitcoin's security model, and have the foundational knowledge needed to build on Bitcoin.
Modules
Module 1: Bitcoin Protocol Deep Dive
1
Understand Bitcoin's transaction model from the ground up. Learn about UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Outputs),
transaction structure, script language, and how Bitcoin validates transactions at the protocol level.
Topics Covered:
- UTXO model vs. account model
- Transaction inputs and outputs
- Bitcoin Script language
- Interactive UTXO Visualizer demo
- Hands-on: Parse a real Bitcoin transaction
Module 2: Cryptographic Primitives
2
Master the cryptographic building blocks of Bitcoin: hash functions (SHA-256), digital signatures (ECDSA),
and Merkle trees. Understand how these primitives create Bitcoin's security guarantees.
Topics Covered:
- SHA-256 hash functions and collision resistance
- Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)
- Public/private key pairs
- Merkle trees and Merkle proofs
- Interactive hash playground
Module 3: Proof of Work
3
Understand how mining works, why proof-of-work is necessary, and how difficulty adjustment maintains
Bitcoin's 10-minute block time. Learn about network security and the cost of attacking Bitcoin.
Topics Covered:
- Mining mechanics and nonce discovery
- Difficulty adjustment algorithm
- Network security model
- 51% attack scenarios
- Advanced Mining Simulator