Understanding Bitcoin in 5 articles // 5 parts.
A series to grasp what Bitcoin is, how it works, why it has value, how to buy and store it safely, and what to know about its risks.
~23 min of reading
2026 · crypto
Bitcoin is 17 years old. You’ve probably heard about its price, about mining, “cold” wallets, mysterious phrases you have to write down on a piece of paper. But few resources actually explain what it is, why it works and what it changes, without tipping into propaganda or contempt.
This series is built for that: 5 articles, in order, no prerequisites. By the end, you’ll be able to hold a serious conversation on the topic, spot obvious scams, and make an informed decision about whether Bitcoin belongs in your portfolio — or not.
This series is not investment advice. See our legal notice and disclaimer .
Origins: what problem does Bitcoin solve?
To understand Bitcoin, you first need to understand what we did before it — and why, in 2008, someone decided that wasn't enough anymore.
Under the hood: how does Bitcoin actually work?
Blockchain, blocks, mining, proof of work, public and private keys — the essentials, with no jargon.
Why does Bitcoin have value?
Programmed scarcity, halving, network effect: why an asset with no industrial use and no state behind it trades at tens of thousands of dollars.
How to buy Bitcoin — and more importantly, how to secure it
Platforms, wallets, seed phrase: the practical guide to buying Bitcoin without getting scammed and keeping it safe.
Bitcoin: risks, myths and possible futures
Volatility, energy, crime, regulation: an overview of common objections and real uncertainties around Bitcoin.