Bitcoin+ Developer

Description

Bitcoin+ Developer (5 Days)

Program Detailed Curriculum

Executive Summary
Bitcoin+ Developer™ certification program offers comprehensive training, covering fundamentals of
Bitcoin and the underlying Blockchain technology, fundamentals of bitcoin scripting, building
applications using bitcoin scripts, Layer 2 scaling solutions, real-world use cases, security best practices,
integration with SDK/APIs, and insights into future trends. The program culminates with a hands-on
project work for practical application and a capstone project.

Course Prerequisites
Familiarity with general programming concepts like data structures, algorithms and networks
Understanding of at least one legacy programming stack (e.g. Python, JavaScript, Java or similar)
Fundamental knowledge to use command line consoles on any operating system
Ability to understand developer concepts like SDKs, APIs, application development tools etc.
Experience with building end to end tiered applications

Module 1

Introduction to Bitcoin and Blockchain

1.1 Overview of Bitcoin Technology
Introduction to Bitcoin: Explore Bitcoin’s fundamentals, including its key features and decentralized architecture to
gain insights into the revolutionary technology.
Digital Currency: Explore how digital currency reshapes money’s concept, leveraging the internet for swift,
borderless transactions, using cryptography.
Popular Cryptocurrency: Explore the diverse landscape of popular cryptocurrencies, from Ethereum’s smart
contracts to Ripple’s cross-border payments.
P2p Cash System: Discover direct currency transactions without banks, leveraging blockchain for security,
decentralization, and inclusivity.
Limited Supply: Discover the scarcity-driven value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, offering stability and long-term
investment potential.
Bitcoin Ledger as a Store of Value: Explore the role of Bitcoin Ledger in wealth preservation and its potential as a
reliable store of value.
Bitcoin as a Platform for Permissionless Innovation: Explore Bitcoin’s capacity for unrestricted innovation,
empowering individuals to drive change without centralized permission.
History of Bitcoin: Explore the origins, evolution, and impact of Bitcoin, delving into its history, technology, and
implications for the future.
Key Features and Their Utility: Discover Bitcoin’s pioneering features, including decentralization, security,
transparency, and peer-to-peer transactions, revolutionizing finance.

Understanding the Decentralized Nature of the Bitcoin Network: Learn about Bitcoin’s decentralized structure, its
implications, and functionalities.

1.2 Overview of Blockchain Technology
Fundamentals of Blockchain Technology: Explore fundamentals of blockchain and dissect its structure to
understand the world of distributed ledger systems.
How Blocks and Transactions are Structured in the Bitcoin Blockchain: Learn the fundamental structure of
Bitcoin blockchain, exploring blocks and transactions.

Module 2

Bitcoin Scripting Language

2.1 Fundamentals of Bitcoin Scripting Language
Stack-based Language: Explore the role of Bitcoin script as a stack based programming environment. Evaluate its
limited and and deterministic nature to prioritize security.
Limited and Deterministic: Understand Bitcoin script’s deterministic limits for security, avoiding loops and
recursion to ensure predictable execution.
ScriptPubKey and ScriptSig: Explore Bitcoin transactions with ScriptPubKey (output conditions) and ScriptSig
(input data), defining spending conditions for secure fund transfers.

2.2 Components of Scripting Language Basics
Operators and Operations: Learn Bitcoin simple operators manipulate stack data, including arithmetic,
cryptographic, and conditional operations.
Standard Script Templates: Master various standard script templates for efficient and secure cryptocurrency
transactions, including P2PKH, P2SH, and multisig.
Public Key and Hash Operations: Explore Bitcoin script’s cryptographic functions like public keys, hashes, and their
comparisons for secure transactions and validation.
Conditional Statements: Delve into conditional statements, navigating program paths based on conditions,
including essential if-else constructions.

2.3 Uses of the Bitcoin Scripts
Time-Locked Transactions: Discover time-locked transactions to safeguard funds until set block height or time,
essential for smart contract functionality.
OP_RETURN: Understand how to empower transactions with non-spendable data, expanding blockchain utility
beyond conventional spending capabilities.

2.4 Execution Condition of Scripts
Script Evaluation: Learn how Bitcoin’s script evaluation system validates transactions by comparing input and
output scripts.
Segregated Witness (SegWit): Explore revolutionizing cryptocurrency transactions by separating witness data and
enabling intricate scripting possibilities.

2.5 Security and Vulnerabilities in the Scripts
Security Considerations: Delve into script security for Bitcoin, addressing vulnerabilities and fortifying against
potential threats through strategic considerations and restrictions.

Module 3

Building on Bitcoin Script

3.1 Standard Transactions
Pay-to-Pubkey (P2PK) and Pay-to-Pubkey-Hash (P2PKH): Learn about Pay-to-Pubkey (P2PK) and Pay-to-Pubkey-
Hash (P2PKH) for Bitcoin transactions and everyday use.
Multisignature (Multisig): Dive into enhanced security with Multisig, requiring multiple keys for collaborative
finance management and corporate accounts.
Time-Locked Transactions: Navigate through Bitcoin script’s time-locked transactions, enabling delayed spending
until a set date or block height. Various practical applications.
Hashed Time-Locked Contracts (HTLCs): Explore secure off-chain transactions via Lightning Network using time-
locked contracts with hash preimage conditions.

3.2 Trade and DeFi
Atomic Swaps: Discover how atomic swaps revolutionize cross-chain trading, enabling trustless cryptocurrency
exchange without centralized intermediaries.
Pay-to-Script-Hash (P2SH): Understand how to simplify complex script creation, enhance blockchain efficiency by
encoding spending conditions in hashed scripts.
Simple Token Systems: Learn to create token systems atop Bitcoin blockchain, enabling representation and
transfer for diverse applications.

3.3 Smart Contracts
Oracle Contracts: Explore integrating Bitcoin script with external data sources for contracts reliant on real-world
information in various applications.
Smart Contracts: Master Bitcoin script for crafting smart contracts like escrow, multi-step transactions, and custom
fund release conditions.

3.4 Asset Definition
Colored Coins: Explore Bitcoin Scripting Language applications, focusing on asset definition through Colored Coins
for representing and trading assets on the Bitcoin blockchain.

Module 4

Layer 2 Scaling Solutions

4.1 Basic of Layer 2
Bitcoin Layer 2: Explore Layer 2 optimizations for Bitcoin, enhancing scalability, reducing latency, and improving
efficiency beyond the base layer for transactions.

4.2 Different Layer 2 Projects
Lightning Network (LN): Learn decentralized off-chain scaling solutions for fast, low-cost Bitcoin transactions via
payment channels.
Liquid Network: Unlock the potential of a Blockstream federated sidechain for faster, confidential Bitcoin
transactions. Ideal for institutions.
Elements Sidechain: Learn to utilize sidechains, enabling asset transfer between Bitcoin’s blockchain and separate
blockchains for interoperability.

Rootstock (RSK): Explore the platform facilitating smart contract creation and DApp development on the Bitcoin
blockchain.
Statechains: Understand how to facilitate secure off-chain bitcoin transfers, reducing costs, and enhancing
scalability efficiently.
Drivechain: Uncover the potential of bidirectional transfer of bitcoins between main blockchain and sidechains.
Plasma: Dive into a scalable blockchain framework using sidechains, adaptable to Bitcoin for enhanced scalability.
Counterparty: Learn to create custom tokens on Bitcoin blockchain using Counterparty protocol for enhanced
transaction functionality.

Module 5

Use Cases and Projects using Layer 2

5.1 Payments Use Cases
Microtransactions and Micropayments: Discover methods to streamline microtransactions, benefiting content
creators, pay-per-use services, and online tipping platforms.
Retail Payments: Learn to expedite the payments and reduce costs of in-store/online purchases with Bitcoin via
Layer 2 solutions.
Remittances: Understand how to enhance cross-border transfers with Layer 2 solutions, minimizing costs and time
for efficient remittance processes.

5.2 Assets and Defi
Gaming and Digital Assets: Implement in-game transactions, digital asset ownership, and item trading with
reduced fees and faster settlement using Layer 2 solutions.
Tokenized Assets and Securities: Learn how to issue and trade tokenized assets like real estate or stocks on Bitcoin
blockchain.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): Develop decentralized financial applications, including lending, borrowing, and
decentralized exchanges, on Layer 2 solutions to enhance scalability and reduce transaction costs.
Streaming and Content Monetization: Implement microtransactions for streaming content, enabling users to pay
for content on a per-second or per-minute basis.
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Create and trade NFTs representing digital art, collectibles, or virtual assets with faster
confirmation times and reduced fees.

5.3 Industry Use Cases
Supply Chain and Provenance: Enhance transparency in supply chain management by recording product
information and transactions on the Bitcoin blockchain through Layer 2 solutions.
Cross-Platform Token Swaps: Facilitate trustless and decentralized token swaps between different blockchain
platforms using Layer 2 solutions.
Decentralized Identity: Develop decentralized identity solutions on the Bitcoin blockchain, allowing users to control
and manage their identity without relying on centralized authorities.
Smart Contracts and Oracles: Utilize Layer 2 solutions for executing more complex and scalable smart contracts,
including those dependent on external data sources (oracles).
Off-Chain Voting Systems: Implement secure and efficient off-chain voting systems for elections or governance
processes on the Bitcoin blockchain.

5.4 Integration with Other Tech- IoT
Layer 2 Applications for IoT: Explore IoT integration with Layer 2 applications, emphasizing secure micropayments
and data transfer for cost-effective IoT device communication.

Module 6

Security and Best Practices

6.1 For Scripting Apps
Understand Bitcoin Script Fundamentals: Master Bitcoin script fundamentals: operations, stack manipulation,
transaction structure. Essential for secure application development.
Use Standard Script Templates: Learn to implement widely supported and tested standard script templates like
P2PKH, P2SH, and multisig.
Validate Input Data: Explore how to validate input data, ensuring adherence to expected formats, including public
keys and signatures.
Implement Multi-Signature for Enhanced Security: Understand how to use multi-signature scripts to enhance
security, especially for applications that involve multiple parties or require additional authorization for spending
funds.

6.2 General Security Practices
Avoid Unnecessary Complexity: Learn how to simplify scripts to meet requirements, avoiding complexity to
mitigate potential security risks in applications.
Use Time-Lock Constraints Carefully: Master time-lock constraints for transactions, ensuring proper
implementation to prevent unexpected outcomes and pitfalls.
Follow Best Practices for Secure Coding: Discover secure coding essentials: input validation, error handling, and
adherence to coding standards to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Thoroughly Test Scripts: Understand how to comprehensively test Bitcoin scripts in diverse scenarios, covering
edge cases and security measures in testnet.
Regularly Update Dependencies: Highlight the importance of regularly updating dependencies for enhanced
security and performance in your software development.

6.3 Keys and Smart Contracts
Secure Key Management: Implement secure key management practices, including the use of hardware wallets or
secure key storage solutions. Protect private keys from unauthorized access and use.
Audit Code and Smart Contracts: Learn to review Bitcoin script code, prioritize smart contract security, and engage
third-party audits.
Monitor for Anomalies: Develop expertise in detecting irregularities within Bitcoin script applications through
robust monitoring strategies and tools.

6.4 Off the Chain
Educate Users on Security Best Practices: Delve into essential security protocols, educating users on private key
management, secure wallets, and threat avoidance.
Secure Communication: Learn to safeguard communication channels with encryption and secure protocols for
protecting data during transit.

6.5 Layer 2
Secure Funding Transactions: Master securing funding transactions for Layer 2 interactions, ensuring validation of
inputs, outputs, and amounts.
Implement Secure Multi-Signature Wallets: Master the implementation of secure multi-signature wallets for Layer
2 applications using hardware wallets and key management.
Carefully Design Smart Contracts: Refine your skills in crafting secure smart contracts for resilient Layer 2
application implementations.

Secure Channel Updates: Familiarize yourself with safeguard payment channels through secure mechanisms and
signature validation.
Monitor Channel States: Learn to monitor and respond to channel state changes swiftly to mitigate disputes and
premature closures.
Use Secure Communication Channels: Understand how to secure Layer 2 communication with encryption and
authentication for safeguarding sensitive data transmission.
Channel Management Security: Implement secure channel management practices, including proper handling of
channel closures, force closures, and penalty transactions.
Watchtower Services: Explore watchover services for Layer 2 app security, preventing fraud and ensuring reliability
against cheats.
Conduct Rigorous Testing: Thoroughly test Layer 2 applications in various scenarios including normal operation,
edge cases, and potential attacks.
Security Audits: Learn to utilize third-party experts for independent audits, promptly addressing identified
vulnerabilities in your application.
Regularly Update Dependencies: Outline the importance of maximizing security and performance by keeping
dependencies current; update libraries and SDKs promptly for enhancements.
Privacy Considerations: Master privacy in Layer 2 apps, safeguard sensitive data, and implement effective
protection measures for users.
Stay Informed About Layer 2 Ecosystem: Acquire knowledge about latest developments, security considerations,
protocol updates, vulnerabilities, and best practices.

Module 7

Integration (SDK/APIs) and Deployment

7.1 Basic Overview of SDK & APIs
Integration SDKs (Software Development Kits) and APIs: Explore Bitcoin application development using
Integration SDKs and APIs, gaining essential tools for seamless interaction with the blockchain.

7.2 BitcoinJS
Bitcoin Applications with JavaScript: Understand the role of BitcoinJS as a JavaScript library for Bitcoin, enabling
address, transaction, and cryptographic operations in web applications.
Scripting Support: Explore Bitcoin scripting using BitcoinJS, enabling custom transaction logic and detailed code
explanations.

7.3 BitcoinJ
BitcoinJ: Discern the role of Java library for Bitcoin in facilitating wallet creation, network interaction, and Java
application development, empowering developers in Bitcoin ecosystem.

7.4 Bitcoinlib
Bitcoinlib (python): Explore the role of Bitcoinlib (Python) in Python library facilitating Bitcoin address, transaction,
and cryptographic operations, ensuring simplicity and ease of use.

7.5 Bitcoin RPC Client (Python)
Bitcoin RPC Client (Python): Explore the role of Python library in facilitating Bitcoin Core RPC interaction,
empowering developers to script seamless communication with Bitcoin Core nodes.

7.6 Deployment Strategies
Testnet Environment: Learn how to utilize Bitcoin testnet for script deployment and testing without real bitcoin
usage. Risk-free experimentation.
Regtest Mode: Explore Bitcoin Core’s “regtest” mode: run a private, locally-mined blockchain for sandbox testing
control.
Unit Testing: Learn to test Bitcoin script components individually using relevant testing frameworks for error-free
functionality.
Integration Testing: Verify application component interactions, including with Bitcoin blockchain, through
integration testing for issue detection.
Functional Testing: Delve into functional testing to ensure Bitcoin script application meets requirements and
functions correctly.
Scenario Testing: Learn to craft and test scenarios replicating real-world conditions for robust Bitcoin script
functionality.
Script Debugger: Explore Bitcoin script debuggers for script execution visualization, aiding in understanding and
troubleshooting script behavior.

Module 8

Future Trends and Innovations

8.1 Innovation in Bitcoin Applications
DeFi on Bitcoin: Explore integrating decentralized finance (DeFi) features into Bitcoin ecosystem through layer 2
solutions and sidechains.
Privacy Improvements: Discover advancements like CoinJoin, Confidential Transactions, and Schnorr Signatures
enhance transaction privacy effectively.
Smart Contracts on Bitcoin: Unlock advanced smart contract capabilities on Bitcoin through initiatives like Taproot
and Schnorr Signatures for efficiency.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) on Bitcoin: Explore decentralized governance structures and
decision-making on the Bitcoin blockchain through concepts like Decentralized Autonomous Organizations.

8.2 Innovation in Bitcoin Layer 2
Layer 2 Scaling Solutions:: Delve into Bitcoin Layer 2 advancements, focusing on Lightning Network and
sidechains. Tackle scalability issues with off-chain solutions for improved efficiency.

8.3 Innovation in Asset Definition
Tokenization and Colored Coins: Learn about tokenization and colored coins, enabling representation and trade of
real-world assets on Bitcoin.
NFTs on Bitcoin: Explore adding NFT functionality to Bitcoin via layer 2 solutions, tapping into the expanding NFT
market.

8.4 Innovation in Bitcoin Interoperability
Cross-Chain Interoperability: Discover how to enable seamless interactions and decentralized exchanges among
diverse blockchain networks for trustless asset transfers.
Integration with Web3 and Web3.0 Standards: Explore Bitcoin applications leverage standards, enhancing
interoperability and collaboration within blockchain networks.

8.5 Innovation in Bitcoin Identity and Users
Decentralized Identity and Notary Services: Learn leveraging Bitcoin for decentralized identity and notary services,
ensuring secure and tamper-proof record-keeping.
Improved User Experience: Delve into enhancing Bitcoin app UX with user-friendly wallets, intuitive interfaces, and
educational resources.

8.6 Innovation in Bitcoin Dev Tools
Bitcoin Development Frameworks: Explore advanced frameworks, empowering developers in Bitcoin application
creation with streamlined processes and expanded resources for innovation and efficiency.

Module 9

Capstone Project

Capstone Project: Apply course concepts in a hands-on Bitcoin application development, addressing real-world
scenarios for comprehensive learning and skill integration.
Bitcoin+ Developer Detailed Curriculum
Date Issued: 20/01/2024
Version: 1.1