bitcoin decoded
Menu

See what makes
Bitcoin work.

Follow a transaction. Trace a chain split. Read an order book. We draw the connections so you can understand the system.

Follow your first transaction

Start with the mechanism. Then question the claim.

A transaction travels through BitcoinA wallet signs; peers check and relay; a miner includes the transaction in a proposed block; nodes independently verify the block. Lines illustrate a route, not a central operator. The moving packet illustrates this sequence, not live activity or elapsed time.1 / SIGN2 / RELAY3 / INCLUDE4 / VERIFYWallet signsSigned transactionPeer checksPeer relaysMiner: new blockProposed blockNode checksNode checksIndependent rulesA transaction travels through BitcoinA wallet signs; peers check and relay; a miner includes the transaction in a proposed block; nodes independently verify the block. Lines illustrate a route, not a central operator. The moving packet illustrates this sequence, not live activity or elapsed time.Wallet signsPeer checksPeer relaysMiner: new blockNodes verify rulesNodeNode
A transaction’s journey, from signature to verified block. A simplified sequence, not live activity or a timing estimate.

Can you explain it
without the buzzwords?

Bitcoin is a network, BTC is its asset, and Bitcoin Core is software. Similar names can hide very different things.

Our diagrams pull those ideas apart. Read what each part does, who controls it, and which claims still need evidence.

What do you want
to decode?

Choose a question.
Leave with a working picture.

Inside Bitcoin

Bitcoin basicsBitcoin Core and node checksBitcoin forks and chain splits

Beyond the name

Bitcoin family, decodedBitcoin Genesis 1 (BTC1)Other coins, decoded

Accounts and markets

How an exchange worksTrading mechanics, decodedWallets, keys and custody

What does an exchange
price leave out?

The bid, the ask and the spread are different numbers. Follow a three-unit order through a sample book to see why the first price is not the whole story.

Read the order book diagram

Want to learn more?

Keep building the picture.

Get new diagram-led guides by email. It’s free, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.

See how your information is handled.

How do we separate facts from claims?

We link primary technical sources and label project descriptions. A diagram simplifies a mechanism; it does not verify an issuer, certify a product or recommend a trade.

Bitcoin white paperBitcoin CoreBitcoin Ecosystem project