Question 1

What is Builder?

Accepted Answer

Builder is a global network of community-driven chapters focused on Bitcoin education, Lightning Network development, and Layer 2 exploration. Each chapter brings together developers, enthusiasts, and curious minds to learn, build, and advance Bitcoin technology together. Chapters operate independently while sharing knowledge and resources across the network.

Question 2

Do I need prior Bitcoin knowledge to attend?

Accepted Answer

No preparation required! Builder welcomes everyone interested in Bitcoin, from complete beginners to experienced developers. Our meetups across all chapters include context for beginners while diving deep enough to engage experienced developers.

Question 3

What should I bring to my first meetup?

Accepted Answer

Yourself and your curiosity! For workshop sessions, bring a laptop. Having a Bitcoin wallet (mobile or hardware) can be useful but isn't required. We'll provide any other materials needed.

Question 4

What is the meetup format?

Accepted Answer

Our meetups typically run 2-3 hours and include a mix of presentations, hands-on activities, and networking. We start with introductions, followed by the main content, and end with open discussion and collaboration time.

Question 5

What level of technical depth should I expect?

Accepted Answer

We cater to all skill levels. Presentations include context for beginners while diving deep enough to engage experienced developers. Don't worry if you don't understand everything - questions are encouraged and learning is collaborative.

Question 6

What are the community guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Builder is an inclusive, respectful global community. We welcome all experience levels and backgrounds. Be kind, ask questions, share knowledge, and help others learn. All meetups across Builder chapters follow the Chatham House Rule for open discussion.

Question 7

What is Bitcoin?

Accepted Answer

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. Created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto, it operates on a distributed network maintained by thousands of nodes worldwide.

Question 8

How does Bitcoin work?

Accepted Answer

Bitcoin uses blockchain technology - a public ledger of all transactions. The network is secured through proof-of-work mining, where miners compete to validate transactions and create new blocks. This process ensures security and consensus without central authority.

Question 9

What are private keys?

Accepted Answer

Private keys are secret codes that prove ownership of bitcoin. They must be kept secure and never shared. If you lose your private key, you lose access to your bitcoin permanently.

Question 10

What is mining?

Accepted Answer

Mining is the process of validating transactions and securing the Bitcoin network. Miners compete to solve cryptographic puzzles, and the first to solve it gets to add a new block of transactions to the blockchain and receives a reward in bitcoin.

Question 11

Why does Bitcoin matter?

Accepted Answer

Bitcoin provides financial sovereignty, censorship resistance, and a fixed supply (21 million coins). It enables permissionless innovation and financial inclusion globally. As a neutral, open protocol, Bitcoin serves as the foundation for a new financial system.

Question 12

What is Lightning Network?

Accepted Answer

The Lightning Network is a Layer 2 protocol built on top of Bitcoin that enables instant, low-cost payments. By creating payment channels between users, Lightning allows transactions to occur off-chain while maintaining Bitcoin's security guarantees.

Question 13

How does Lightning Network work?

Accepted Answer

Lightning uses payment channels - two parties lock bitcoin in a multisig address and can transact unlimited times off-chain. Only the opening and closing transactions are recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain. Channels can be connected to route payments across the network.

Question 14

What are the benefits of Lightning Network?

Accepted Answer

Lightning enables instant payments (settling in milliseconds), low fees (typically fractions of a cent), scalability (millions of transactions per second possible), privacy (payments don't broadcast to entire network), and micropayments (sub-satoshi payments for streaming and metered services).

Question 15

What are Lightning payment channels?

Accepted Answer

Payment channels are two-way payment channels between two parties on the Lightning Network. They allow unlimited transactions off-chain, with only the opening and closing transactions recorded on the Bitcoin blockchain. Channels can route payments to other nodes in the network.

Question 16

How do Lightning payments work?

Accepted Answer

To send a Lightning payment, you scan a QR code or paste an invoice (starting with 'lnbc'). Your wallet routes the payment through existing channels or opens new ones as needed. Payments typically complete in under 5 seconds. To receive, you generate an invoice that others can pay.

Question 17

Why use Lightning Network?

Accepted Answer

Lightning makes Bitcoin practical for everyday use with instant payments (settling in seconds), low fees (typically less than a penny), micropayments (send tiny amounts), privacy (payments don't broadcast to entire network), and global reach (works anywhere with internet). Perfect for buying coffee, tipping creators, or sending money to friends.

Question 18

What is a Custodial Lightning Wallet?

Accepted Answer

A custodial Lightning wallet is one where the service provider holds your private keys and manages your Lightning channels for you. This makes it very easy to use - similar to how a bank holds your money - but means you're trusting them with your funds. Examples include Wallet of Satoshi and Strike. Good for beginners and small amounts.

Question 19

What is a Non-Custodial Lightning Wallet?

Accepted Answer

A non-custodial Lightning wallet gives you full control over your private keys. You maintain sovereignty over your funds, but may need to manage Lightning channels yourself (though some wallets automate this). Examples include Phoenix, Breez, ZEUS, and Muun. Better for larger amounts and users who value sovereignty.

Question 20

What is a Hybrid Wallet?

Accepted Answer

A hybrid wallet offers both custodial and non-custodial options, giving you flexibility. You can start with their custodial service for ease of use, then migrate to non-custodial options as you become more comfortable. Blue Wallet is an example of a hybrid wallet.

Question 21

How do I choose a Lightning wallet?

Accepted Answer

Consider your priorities: ease of use vs. control, technical comfort level, and use case. Custodial wallets (like Wallet of Satoshi) are easiest for beginners. Non-custodial wallets (like Phoenix, Breez) offer more control. Hybrid wallets (like Blue Wallet) give you flexibility. Visit our Wallets page to compare features and find download links.

Question 22

What are the security considerations for wallets?

Accepted Answer

Always backup your wallet recovery phrase (seed words) and store it securely. Without it, you'll lose access to your funds. For custodial wallets, you're trusting the service with your funds (like a bank). For non-custodial wallets, you're responsible for security. Start with small amounts when learning, and never share your private keys or recovery phrase with anyone.

Question 23

What's the difference between Bitcoin and Lightning balances?

Accepted Answer

Bitcoin balance is your on-chain bitcoin stored on the Bitcoin blockchain. Lightning balance is bitcoin locked in Lightning payment channels for instant payments. Some wallets (like Muun) unify these balances, while others keep them separate. You can move funds between Bitcoin and Lightning, though this requires opening/closing channels.

Question 24

What are Layer 2 solutions?

Accepted Answer

Layer 2 protocols are built on top of Bitcoin's base layer (Layer 1) to enable new functionality and scalability. They inherit Bitcoin's security while enabling features like instant payments, smart contracts, and increased transaction throughput.

Question 25

What's the difference between Lightning and other Layer 2s?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Network is the most established Layer 2, focused on instant payments. Other Layer 2s include RGB (client-side validated smart contracts), Stacks (smart contracts with Bitcoin finality), Liquid (federated sidechain), Rollups (various scaling proposals), and Fedimint (federated Chaumian e-cash mints). Each offers different trade-offs between security, decentralization, and functionality.

Question 26

Why do Layer 2 solutions matter?

Accepted Answer

Bitcoin's base layer prioritizes security and decentralization. Layer 2s enable scaling without compromising these properties. They unlock new use cases while keeping the base layer stable and secure.

Question 27

When should I use Layer 2?

Accepted Answer

Use Layer 2 when you need faster transactions, lower fees, or new functionality not available on Bitcoin's base layer. Lightning is ideal for everyday payments. Other Layer 2s enable smart contracts, faster settlements, or specialized use cases. The base layer remains best for large, infrequent transactions where maximum security is paramount.

Question 28

What is open source development?

Accepted Answer

Open source development is a collaborative approach where source code is made publicly available under licenses that allow others to view, use, modify, and distribute the software. Key principles include transparency, collaboration, meritocracy, decentralization, and freedom. In Bitcoin, open source enables trustless verification - users can verify software does what it claims without relying on trust.

Question 29

How do I contribute to Bitcoin open source projects?

Accepted Answer

Start by choosing a project that interests you, reading contribution guidelines and code of conduct, starting small (fix documentation, report bugs, tackle 'good first issue' labels), joining the community (participate in discussions, ask questions), and building your reputation through consistent, quality contributions. Every expert was once a beginner.

Question 30

Can I get paid for contributing to open source?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many Bitcoin companies hire developers to work full-time on open source projects. You can also receive grants from organizations like Human Rights Foundation and OpenSats, work on bounties for specific features, offer consulting services based on your expertise, or build your own product using open source projects. Start contributing, build a reputation, and opportunities will follow.

Question 31

What is vibe coding?

Accepted Answer

Vibe coding is a collaborative programming approach that emphasizes flow state, creative experimentation, and community-driven development. It brings developers together in a relaxed, supportive environment where ideas flow freely and learning happens organically. It's less about deadlines and deliverables, and more about the joy of coding, discovery, and connection.

Question 32

What are some top open source Bitcoin projects?

Accepted Answer

Key projects include Bitcoin Core (reference implementation), Lightning Network (Layer 2 payments), LND and Core Lightning (Lightning implementations), BTCPay Server (self-hosted payment processor), Bitcoin Dev Kit (BDK) for building wallets, Rust Bitcoin, BitcoinJS, and wallet software like Electrum, Sparrow Wallet, and BlueWallet. These represent thousands of contributors building the future of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started