Unpacking Bitcoin: Keys, Mining, and the Blockchain

This chapter examines the technical foundations of Bitcoin, highlighting the significance of private keys in secure transactions and the critical role of mining in verifying these transactions. It explains the mathematical principles that govern Bitcoin's decentralized network and the function of the blockchain as a public ledger that maintains integrity among its participants. Additionally, the chapter discusses the limitations of Bitcoin's supply and its transformative impact on traditional monetary systems, emphasizing the irreversible nature of transactions to enhance trust.