Blockchain Basics¶
This chapter builds the mental model you need before you hold real funds: what the network is, who controls a wallet, and why a single signature can be irreversible. No prior crypto knowledge is assumed, and you do not need to own anything to read it.
Start with these three¶
| Guide | Why it comes first |
|---|---|
| What Is Blockchain? | Explains the one problem a blockchain solves, so the rest of the chapter has a foundation. |
| Private Key, Mnemonic and Wallet Password | These three secrets are constantly confused. Knowing which one is which prevents most self-inflicted losses. |
| Keep Your Keys Safe | Turns the key lesson into a storage routine you can follow today. |
How to read the chapter¶
The groups are ordered on purpose. Core Concepts gives you the words. Security Knowledge shows you the failure modes. Security Measures gives you the controls.
You can jump straight to a single guide from the sidebar if you already know what you need. If you are new, read the three guides above, then continue in order.
Reading order is not a checklist
Knowing the vocabulary does not make a wallet safe. The security groups are the part that changes outcomes — do not skip them because the concept pages feel easier.
What this chapter does not cover¶
- Protocol specification, consensus internals, or node operation. Those belong in the developer documentation.
- Price predictions, investment advice, or yield comparisons. This site explains how to use the network, not what to buy.
- Wallet features unrelated to Bitgold (swaps, NFTs, hardware wallets). The wallet chapter links out when a feature is outside its scope.
Next step¶
Continue to Core Concepts and read What Is Blockchain? first.