Understanding a Bitcoin node

Satoshi Nakamoto first released the Bitcoin whitepaper in October of 2008. Shortly after that, he released the first software implementation of a Bitcoin node. The software functions as an independent node that connects other nodes. On account of how it connects to the network, we will often refer to the software as the client. With a centralized network design, we often hear the terms client and server. Clients make a connection with a server to submit requests and to post data. As a classic example, an internet browser functions as a client that connects to a server to retrieve a webpage.

Note

Bitcoin uses a decentralized network design. There is no central server to connect to, rather, clients connect directly to other clients. Nodes then broadcast or relay messages between themselves.

The client was open sourced to the world in 2009, allowing developers to independently improve the source code. Through online discussions, developers are able to coordinate bug...