Protocol Developer Track
Protocol developers work at the deepest layer of Bitcoin — the consensus rules, peer-to-peer networking, transaction validation, and the codebase that powers every full node on the network.
What You'll Learn
This track takes you from understanding Bitcoin Core's architecture to being able to contribute to the project:
- Bitcoin Core Internals — Source code structure, build system, key modules
- Languages & Tools — C++, Python testing framework, debugging tools
- Testing — Functional tests, fuzz testing, CI infrastructure
- BIPs — The Bitcoin Improvement Proposal process
- Specialization Areas — P2P networking, mempool policy, wallet, mining
- Security & Cryptography — Threat models, cryptographic primitives used in Bitcoin
- Contributing to Bitcoin Core — Review process, PR workflow, community norms
Prerequisites
Before starting this track, you should have completed the Fundamentals section and be comfortable with:
- C++ (at least intermediate level)
- Git and GitHub workflows
- Command-line development tools
- Basic understanding of Bitcoin's architecture (UTXO model, transactions, Script)
Key Skills You'll Develop
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| C++ proficiency | Bitcoin Core is ~300k+ lines of C++ |
| Consensus understanding | One bug can split the network |
| Code review | Most Core contributors spend more time reviewing than writing |
| Cryptographic reasoning | Signatures, hashes, and proofs are everywhere |
| Test writing | Every change needs comprehensive tests |
Learning Path
Resources to Start With
- Bitcoin Core GitHub Repository
- Bitcoin Core Developer Documentation
- Chaincode Labs Seminars
- Bitcoin Optech — Weekly newsletter on protocol developments