Developer Hub
Your roadmap to becoming a Bitcoin developer. Connect, learn, and contribute to the global Bitcoin ecosystem.
Developer Path Overview
You don't need to be an expert. If you know basic programming and want to join the global Bitcoin developer community, this page shows you the path.
What Bitcoin Developers Do
- • Build wallets & LN apps
- • Contribute to Bitcoin Core
- • Write documentation
- • Review pull requests
- • Improve security & privacy
Skills Required
- • Basic programming
- • Git version control
- • Linux command line
- • Problem-solving mindset
- • Willingness to learn
What You Can Contribute
- • Wallet development
- • Lightning Network apps
- • Documentation & guides
- • Code reviews & testing
- • Bug fixes & improvements
Beginner Developer Starter Guide
1. Bitcoin Intro (For Developers)
2. Learn the Tools
The fundamental tool for any Bitcoin developer.
Why use it?
- • Lets students run a full node
- • Explore blockchain data
- • Practice RPC commands
- • Learn how transactions & blocks work under the hood
One of the best educational tools for understanding UTXOs, signing, and PSBTs.
Why use it?
- • Shows UTXOs visually
- • Easy way to build, sign, and broadcast transactions
- • Teaches inputs, outputs, fees, script types
- • Supports testnet and signet
This is what Bitcoin Core developers use daily.
Why use it?
- • Direct interaction with the node
- • Teaches JSON-RPC
- • Builds foundation for wallet programming
Code your way through the mysteries of bitcoin.
Why use it?
- • Interactive coding challenges
- • Learn Bitcoin concepts through practice
- • Open-source production by the Bitcoin community
- • Build practical Bitcoin development skills
Mempool Explorers & Block Explorers
Tools that help beginners see Bitcoin in action.
Best Ones:
Signet & Testnet
Every developer must learn to use Bitcoin's testing chains.
Why?
- • Safe environment
- • No real money
- • Instant transactions
Lightning Tools
Let beginners see what Lightning development looks like.
Tools:
Additional Resources
3. Developer Roadmap
Global Bitcoin Developer Communities
Bitcoin Core Community
Other Communities
Chaincode Labs
Bitcoin Protocol Development Learning Guide →Summer of Bitcoin
Application Portal & Curriculum →Base58 Bitcoin School
Bitcoin Dev Telegram
Spiral (Block)
Bitcoin++ Events
Developer-Focused Conferences →Bitcoin Mining Resources
Comprehensive resources, tools, and communities for students to study and research Bitcoin mining. Learn about mining technology, energy trends, practical experiments, and industry developments.
Educational Resources & About Sites
Environmental & Energy Trends
Practical Hands-On Mining Experiments
Experiment Ideas:
- • Build a simple CPU miner using Python
- • Simulate mining difficulty adjustments
- • Create a mining pool simulator
- • Analyze block headers and nonces
- • Study Merkle tree construction
- • Experiment with different hashing algorithms
🛠️ Tools, APIs, and Data Sources for Developers
Mining Pool APIs
Mining Statistics & Analytics
Mining Hardware Data
Block Explorer APIs
Current Industry & Market Developments
👥 Bitcoin Mining Communities
Official Forums & Discussion Boards
Verified Mining Pools
Mentors & Guest Developers
Meet the experienced Bitcoin developers who have been willing to work with us as mentors and guest developers, sharing their knowledge and guiding your journey.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Check out our Mentorship Program
Developer Meetings, Workshops & Meetups
Lightning Builder Hangout
Feb 16, 2025Monthly online Q&A session for Lightning developers
Bitcoin Dev Kampala Meetup
Last Friday of every monthLocal meetup for Bitcoin developers in Uganda
Developer Opportunities for Africans
Build Your First Portfolio Project
Get started with these project ideas. We provide guidance and resources, not step-by-step tutorials.
Simple Bitcoin Wallet
Lightning Invoice Generator
Seed Phrase Backup Tool
Bitcoin Address Parser
Blockchain Analyzer
UTXO Visualizer
Mempool Monitor
PSBT Builder
Certification Path (Optional)
Earn a certificate by demonstrating your involvement in the Bitcoin developer community.
Developer FAQs
Do I need to know C++ to contribute?
Can I start with Python?
How long does it take?
Is Bitcoin Core only for experts?
How do I find a mentor?
Where do I ask questions?
Join our developer community:
- • WhatsApp Developer Group
- • Contact us through our About page
- • Check our Mentorship Program for direct mentor access
- • Contact our Educators Admins directly
Also use: Bitcoin Stack Exchange, developer mailing lists, Telegram groups, and IRC channels. Be respectful and do your research first. Our community is here to help!
Ready to Start Your Developer Journey?
Join our community and connect with other Bitcoin developers in Africa.