# What is Bitcoin Core?

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/set-up-and-optimization/what-is-bitcoin-core
Updated: 2026-04-24T13:50:36.000Z
Category: Nodes
Section: Set Up and Optimization

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Bitcoin Core is the widely used open-source Bitcoin software client that is the direct descendant of Satoshi Nakamoto's original software. Its code is hosted on [GitHub](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin?ref=blog.blockstream.com), and readily compiled binaries can be found on the official [Bitcoin Core](http://bitcoincore.org/?ref=blog.blockstream.com) site.

Bitcoin Core is a full [node](https://glossary.blockstream.com/bitcoin-node/?ref=blog.blockstream.com) implementation—it downloads and validates all Bitcoin transactions and blocks, and allows the user to participate in consensus. We recommended starting with Bitcoin Core as it is the most popular software client and has many accessible help tutorials, despite other compatible implementations being available. It also gives you the highest degree of compatibility with the Bitcoin network.

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Education > Nodes > What is Bitcoin Core?

## Related Articles in This Section
- [How do I set up and run a Bitcoin node?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/set-up-and-optimization/how-do-i-set-up-and-run-a-bitcoin-node)
- [What is Bitcoin Core?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/set-up-and-optimization/what-is-bitcoin-core) (current)
- [How do I keep my Bitcoin node secure and private?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/set-up-and-optimization/how-do-i-keep-my-bitcoin-node-secure-and-private)
- [Is it better to use TOR or a VPN?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/set-up-and-optimization/is-it-better-to-use-tor-or-a-vpn)