Bitcoin Developer Roadmap
Click any node to learn more about the topic and find links to the relevant docs.
How to Use This Roadmap
- Start with Fundamentals — Everyone begins with the same universal foundations: prerequisites, Bitcoin basics, architecture, P2P networking, and basic development
- Choose Your Track — Once you have a solid foundation, pick the specialization that excites you most
- Go Deep — Each track has its own progression from beginner to advanced topics
- Cross-Pollinate — Many concepts overlap between tracks, so explore freely
Specialization Tracks
| Track | Focus | You'll Build |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol Developer | Bitcoin Core internals, consensus, BIPs | Core contributions, protocol improvements |
| Application Developer | Libraries, wallets, payment systems | Wallets, payment processors, exchanges |
| Infrastructure Developer | Block explorers, indexers, APIs | Explorers, analytics platforms, node infrastructure |
| Mining Developer | Mining software, pools, hardware | Mining pools, firmware, optimization tools |
Ready to start? Head to the Prerequisites section.