21 BTCBitcoin Core
Bitcoin Core is the main software that runs the Bitcoin network, the direct descendant of Satoshi's original program. It is free and open source, maintained by volunteers and grant-funded developers.
History
Satoshi released Bitcoin v0.1 in January 2009. Gavin Andresen took over project management in December 2010. The client was renamed Bitcoin Core with version 0.9.0 in March 2014 to separate the software from the network.
Changes go through public pull requests and review; a small group of maintainers merges them. Releases are reproducibly built and signed by several people so anyone can check the binaries.
Policy debates
Bitcoin Core 30.0 changed the default relay policy for OP_RETURN data outputs and removed the old size cap. Critics who want stricter filtering of non-payment data moved many nodes to Bitcoin Knots; the live split is on the Nodes page.
See also
- Bitcoin KnotsBitcoin Knots is an alternative node program based on Bitcoin Core and maintained by Luke Dashjr. It follows the same consensus rules but filters more non-payment data by default.
- Full nodeA full node is a computer running Bitcoin software that checks every block and transaction against the rules by itself. With your own node you don't have to trust anyone about your balance.
- BIP (Bitcoin Improvement Proposal)A BIP is a public design document that proposes a change or a standard for Bitcoin. Writing a BIP does not change Bitcoin; node operators decide by running software that implements it.
- Gavin AndresenGavin Andresen: Early developer; ran the Bitcoin Faucet, led the project after Satoshi. Gave away free bitcoins through his Faucet in 2010 so newcomers could try Bitcoin. In December 2010 he started managing the project “with Satoshi's blessing”, and Satoshi's last email said the project was “in good hands with Gavin and everyone”.
- Bitcoin v0.1 is released8 Jan 2009: Satoshi announces the first release on the Cryptography Mailing List (19:27 UTC): “Announcing the first release of Bitcoin, a new electronic cash system…”
References
- bitcoincore.org bitcoincore.org
- Bitcoin Core 0.9.0 release (rename) bitcoin.org
- Bitcoin Core 30.0 release notes bitcoincore.org