Bitcoin Basics
The Bitcoin Genesis Block: The First Block and Its Hidden Message
The genesis block is block 0, created on 3 January 2009. See what it contains, what its embedded newspaper headline says and why its reward is unspendable.
Editorial & research
News & Research
Technology
Public Key vs Private Key in Bitcoin: What's the Difference?
A private key is the secret that authorizes spending, and a public key is derived from it. See how keys, addresses and signatures fit together in Bitcoin.
Technology
How to Mine Bitcoin at Home: What You Need and What to Expect
Mining bitcoin at home takes a specialized ASIC machine, a pool, a wallet address and real power and cooling. Here is what to expect, step by step.
Technology
Is Bitcoin Mining Profitable? What Decides the Outcome
Mining profit is revenue minus costs, and electricity usually decides it. See the profit formula, a worked example with invented numbers and the hidden costs.
Security
What Is a Hardware Wallet? How It Works and What to Check
A hardware wallet keeps your bitcoin keys offline and signs payments inside the device. See how it works, what it protects and what to check before buying.
Technology
What Is Bitcoin Cash? How It Differs From Bitcoin
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is a separate cryptocurrency created in a 2017 split from Bitcoin. See why it split, what holders received and how the two coins differ.
Investing
Is Bitcoin a Good Investment? How to Think About It Without Hype
Whether Bitcoin is a good investment depends on your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. See how it differs from other assets and what to ask first.
Technology
What Is the Bitcoin Mempool? Why Transactions Wait
The mempool is where valid bitcoin transactions wait for a block. Learn why a payment can stay pending and how replace-by-fee and child-pays-for-parent help.
Security
How to Choose a Crypto Exchange: A Safety Checklist
No ranking of the safest exchange lasts. Use this checklist for legal status, custody, security, insurance claims, fees and withdrawals before you deposit.
Technology
Bitcoin Mining Pools Explained: How Miners Share the Work and the Reward
A mining pool combines many miners' computing power and splits rewards by contribution. Learn how shares, payout schemes and fees work, and what to check.
Security
Common Bitcoin Scams and How to Spot Them
The most common bitcoin scams, grouped by how they start, with one red flag for each, what to do about it, and the steps to take if you have already sent money.
Bitcoin Basics
Bitcoin Pizza Day: The Famous First Purchase and What It Teaches
On 22 May 2010 a programmer paid 10,000 bitcoin for two pizzas. Here is what happened, why it mattered and what the story does and does not teach.