Welcome to the BTC101 course!

Bitcoin is a technological and a monetary revolution, capable of making us question our relationship with money and society. In fact, Bitcoin (referred to as BTC) is a neutral and decentralized currency, which means that it is not controlled by any entity or institution. It is an innovation that goes beyond a mere "internet currency": it is both a computer protocol (Bitcoin) and a monetary unit (bitcoin).

The Bitcoin protocol uses underlying technologies such as cryptography, network communication, and the famous "blockchain", while the bitcoin unit serves as the necessary currency for the proper functioning of this protocol. In everyday life, Salvadorians and bitcoiners around the world use the bitcoin currency to buy and sell goods and services, relying on this technology to make their lives better.

In this course, we will discuss some monetary aspects of Bitcoin, including how to buy and sell bitcoins, securely store them in digital wallets, and use them for transactions. We will also examine the role of miners, who are essential for creating new bitcoins and securing the Bitcoin network. Finally, we will explore the future of Bitcoin and how the Lightning Network technology can improve Bitcoin transactions.

It is essential to understand that Bitcoin is a new monetary system that completely changes our relationship with money, so learning how to use it is a necessary skill for anyone who wants to be in control of their own funds.

Before introducing the definition of money and its function in society (Chapter 1), we should start from the genesis of Bitcoin. Launched in 2009, Bitcoin is a relatively new technology unlike anything else. It is therefore normal not to understand everything about it, all at once. In fact, just like when learning how to use the Internet or to drive a car, you don’t need to know all the technical details right away: you can start by learning how to receive, pay, and secure your funds, and then take small steps to study it more deeply.

After all, we are only at the beginning stages of its adoption, as we have passed the takeoff phase: you are just in time to acquire as much knowledge as you wish regarding this important innovation.

The important point here is to understand this new technology in a general way, so we hope you enjoy this course and continue to make progress in this new global monetary paradigm.

Ready to dive into the fascinating world of Bitcoin and understand all its inner workings? Let's go!