Bitcoin Lightning 101: From UTXOs to Instant Payments

People often say the Lightning Network is complicated, filled with dense math and scary code. But at its core, it relies on a beautifully simple concept: keeping a private scorecard. Instead of broadcasting every single transaction to the entire global Bitcoin network—which takes time and costs money—Lightning lets you settle thousands of payments instantly and privately. In this workshop, we will break down the rules, the smart contracts, and the clever game theory that keep this system entirely safe and decentralized, without the jargon.
Led by the Bitshala Contributors. We are a community of Bitcoin developers and educators.
A casual, highly visual, interactive session. We will use analogies, simple diagrams, and step-by-step logic to lift the hood on Lightning. No code writing required—just bring an open mind and your questions.
Prior coding experience not required. A curious mind and a desire to look under the hood is.
Demystify the technology powering the future of instant payments—join us to map out the inner workings of the Lightning Network.
Bitshala is a Bitcoin-focused education initiative where we help developers, designers, and curious builders learn by doing. We run cohorts, clubs, workshops, a hackerspace, and community programs that make it easier for people to explore, contribute to, and build on Bitcoin. Our focus is on hands-on learning, proof-of-work, and growing alongside a community of people who care about open technology, design, and the future of money.
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